New insight into the molecular and micromorphological characteristics of Potentilla indica and Potentilla reptans (Rosaceae)

The present study investigates the molecular phylogeny and micromorphological characteristics of Potentilla indica (Andrews) Th. Wolf (=Duchesnea indica (Andrews) Focke), and P. reptans L.. For the phylogenetic study, the nrDNA ITS, trnH-psbA, and combined sequence datasets were analyzed using maximum Parsimony (MP), Bayesian inference (BI), and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. For the micromorphological study, epicalyx, calyx, and pedicle characters were examined. Individual and combined analyses of ITS and trnH-psbA data revealed a phylogenetic divergence in the Reptans clade, corresponding to P. reptans and P. indica (groups L and M) in ITS trees, P. reptans, P. hebiichigo Yonek. H.Ohashi (group O) and P. indica (group N) in plastid and combined trees. In all obtained trees, P. indica showed a sister group relationship with P. reptans. The micromorphological characters of the epicalyx, calyx, and pedicel were found to be taxonomically effective for species separation. Furthermore, the results supported the phylogenetic relationships among the species.