MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETIC METHODS IN SYSTEMATICS OF THE GENUS CAREX (CYPERACEAE)
Irina N. Shekhovtsova
Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
Keywords: Cyperaceae, Cariceae, Carex, Cymophyllus, Kobresia, Schoenoxiphium, Uncinia, overview, phylogeny, monophyly, paraphyly
Abstract
The genus Carex L. (family Cyperaceae Juss.) ranks among the largest genera in both Russian and global flora. Over the past two decades, the application of molecular genetic methods has significantly transformed our understanding of the genus’s phylogeny. Initial studies revealed that the tribe Cariceae constitutes a natural group, while the genus Carex is paraphyletic in relation to all genera within the tribe. Therefore, an international consortium of caricologists has proposed a substantial revision of the classification of Carex. In this paper, we provide a brief overview of the history of molecular phylogenetic studies on the genus Carex. We focus on our analysis conducted during a monographic study of the genetic diversity within the most complex species complexes of the genus, particularly those prevalent in Siberia and the Far East of Russia. Additionally, we discuss the selection of universal molecular genetic markers aimed at reconstructing the phylogeny of Siberian Carex species.
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