Biosystematic studies on the genus Polygonatum (Convallariaceae) IV. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on restriction site mapping of the chloroplast gene trn K

Phylogenetic relationships of 14 species and one variety of the genus Polygonatum as well as three species of the genus Disporopsis and Heteropolygonatum roseolum were analyzed based on mapped restriction site variation in a PCR-amplified chloroplast genome region, trnK. In agreement with earlier taxonomic treatments it was found that Disporopsis and Heteropolygonatum should be distinguished from Polygonatum at generic level, and that P. sect. Polygonatum can be recognized as a monophyletic group. Earlier series concepts in P. sect. Polygonatum based on chromosome number and characteristics of staminal filaments are not supported by the molecular data. The molecular data suggest that satell…