Phylogenetic relationships in Primula L. and related genera (Primulaceae) based on noncoding chloroplast DNA

We sequenced the trnL and rpl16 introns of the chloroplast DNA from 95 of t he ca. 425 species (30 of 37 sections, seven of eight subgenera) of Primula L. in order to reconstruct the phylogenetic history of the group. Among th e 24 additional taxa sampled are representatives of all genera that are lik ely to be embedded in Primula, as well as outgroups from the Maesaceae, The ophrastaceae, and Myrsinaceae. In the strict consensus of the most parsimon ious trees, Primula and the genera embedded in it (Dionysia Fenzl., Sredins kya [Stein] Fedorov, Dodecatheon L., and Cortusa L.) are sister to a clade of several genera previously suspected to be embedded in Primula (Hottonia L., Omphalogramma [Franchet] Franch., and Soldanella L.). In recognition of this, two new rankless names are defined for these clades (/Primula and /S oldanella). Close relationships are inferred between Dionysia and Primula s ubgenus Sphondylia (Duby) Rupr., Sredinskya and Primula subgenus Primula, D odecatheon and Primula subgenus Auriculastrum Schott, and Cortusa and Primu la subgenus Auganthus (Link) Wendelbo. The largest subgenus, Aleuritia (Dub y) Wendelbo, is dispersed among three clades that are not each other's clos est relatives. Primula sections Muscarioides Balf. f., Soldanelloides Pax, Denticulata Watt, Armerina Lindley, and Aleuritia Duby are resolved as para - or polyphyletic with moderate to strong support. Throughout, we consider the striking morphological and cytological variation seen in Primula within a phylogenetic context, particularly as it relates to the close relationsh ip implied here between Dionysia and Primula subgenus Sphondylia. The homol ogy of involute leaf vernation in Primula is reconsidered in light of its t wo independent origins, and we come to the conclusion that vernation in sub genus Sphondylia is better characterized as conduplicate.