The phylogeny of Patrinieae sensu Graebner (Valerianaceae) revisited: additional evidence from ndhF sequence data

Abstract.

 DNA sequences of both 5′ and 3′ regions of the plastid ndhF gene were generated in order to study the position of Patrinia and Nardostachys, to check the potential paraphyletic nature of Patrinieae, and to evaluate the possible link between the tribe and Linnaeaceae. Parsimony analysis showed very strong support for Patrinia as sister to all members of Valerianaceae (including Nardostachys) and indicated the paraphyletic nature of the tribe Patrinieae. Additionally, trees were constructed from available rbcL data separately and supplemented with ndhF sequences. Topologies of these combined cladograms are in agreement with the ndhF phylogeny, suggesting that the traditionally circumscribed Patrinieae can no longer be recognized but must be considered as part of a basal grade in Valerianaceae. Parsimony analysis based on a morphological data set supported a monophyletic Patrinieae; combination with the molecular data showed a paraphyletic Patrinieae. Furthermore, the possible link between Patrinieae and Linnaeaceae is evaluated.