Species delimitation in Capparis (Capparaceae): Morphological and molecular

Abstract

Capparis spinosa L. (Capparidaceae) is the largest genus of the family Capparaceae, distributed in pantropical region. C. spinosa is known as a medicinal plant species. In Iran, different parts of caper bush plants are used as diuretics, tonics and in treatment of malaria and joint disease. Till present time, there has been no detailed information available on molecular phylogeny and genetic structure of these species in the country. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim to investigate species delimitation by both morphological and molecular data and to reveal genetic diversity and population structure in these five of Capparis species. For this study, 108 randomly collected plants from 20 geographical populations in of Capparis species were used. We encountered extensive within species genetic and morphological diversity. ISSR molecular markers could delimit the studied species. STRUCTURE analysis revealed the occurrence gene flow between these species. The Mantel test showed correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance of the populations studied. Phylogenetic tree was constructed based on ITS data set which separated out-groups from the studied species. Genetic affinity of the studied species have been discussed.