A taxonomic revision of the ecologically important Ochna holstii (Ochnaceae) complex using molecular and morphological data

• DOI: 10.5091/plecevo.85589
• Publication Date: 2023-05-03T15:20:53Z
• Authors: Toral Shah; Fandey H. Mashimba; Haji. O. Suleiman; Yahya S. Mbailwa; Vincent Savolainen; Isabel Larridon; Iain Darbyshire
• Keywords: Monophyly; Paraphyly; Herbarium; Species complex; Coalescent theory

Background and aims – Ochna holstii its allies represent an ecologically important group in a variety of lowland to montane habitats tropical eastern southern Africa. Identifying delimiting species within this has proved challenging due lack variation morphological characters. We combine genomic-scale data multiple accessions per with generate taxonomic revision for the complex using multi-evidence approach. Material methods A total 50 samples representing eight were analysed target enrichment custom bait kit. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted multi-species coalescent model concatenation maximum likelihood method, gene tree discordance investigated. Herbarium specimens O. studied detail informative characters, supplemented where possible from field collections, full is provided. Key results Within sect. Schizanthera Clade I, our study confirms that all are monophyletic supported by exception , which paraphyletic. new species, mchanga previously confused polyneura described, placement another recently described maguirei confirmed first time molecular data. Conclusion The widespread non-monophyletic current circumscription likely gave rise more range-restricted oxyphylla stolzii. suggest integrated taxonomy approach, both data, essential deciphering difficult relationships .