Molecular and morphological evidence for an origin of the aberrant genus Milula within Himalayan species of Allium (Alliacae)

Phylogenetic relationships between Allium and the monotypic Himalayan genus Milula were analyzed using sequences of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and of the intergenic spacers from the chl oroplast tmD(GUC)-trnT(GGU) region. Both marker systems unambiguously place d Milula spicata within Allium subgenus Rhizirideum, close to A. cyathophor um. Morphologically, the main difference between Allium and Milula is the c onspicuous spicate inflorescence of Milula vs the mostly capitate or umbell ate inflorescences in Allium. Anatomical investigations of leaf characters support a close relationship of Milula with A. cyathophorum and A. mairei w hereas root characters are distinctive from other species of section Cyatho phora. To maintain Allium as monophyletic, Milula has been included as A. s picatum in Allium subgenus Rhizirideum. (C) 2000 Academic Press.