New molecular phylogenetic evidence for Indian endemic species of the tribe Merremieae, Convolvulaceae

Abstract

Recent advances in molecular phylogenetics in the family Convolvulaceae Juss. (particularly in formerly recognized tribe Merremieae) have brought new insights on generic delimitation. Therefore, many species were transferred across genera to accommodate the new classification. However, additional morphological and molecular analyses are still needed to address the affinities and position of some species formerly included in Merremia Dennst. ex Endl.s.l. and allied genera. In this study, we provide a phylogenetic framework for the placement of Indian species in a new generic arrangement and to address the status of doubtful distinct species. Distimake rhyncorhiza (Dalzell) A.R. Simões & Staples is proved to have its place in Distimake Raf., while Operculina tansaensis Santapau & Patel is validated as a distinct species from O. turpethum (L.) Silva Manso. A nomenclatural clarification for the misuse of the name “Merremia gangetica (L.) Cufod”. in India is provided, with an encouragement to use the correct name Merremia emarginata (Burm.f.) Hallier f. The addition of the Indian species to the molecular phylogeny suggests the possible non-monophyly of Camonea Raf., and a new placement for Camonea vitifolia (Burm.f.) A.R. Simões & Staples, albeit still weakly supported. We have provided morphological descriptions, distribution maps and notes on nomenclature.

Keywords:

• Convolvulaceae
• Distimake
• Merremia
• molecular phylogeny
• Operculina
• taxonomy

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr. George Staples, Dra Rosângela Simão-Bianchini, Ms. Fernanda Sartori-Petrongari and Mr. Ponprom Pisuttimarn, for insightful discussions. Authors greatly acknowledge Sneha Bramhadande from Naoroji Godrej Centre for Plant Research, Pune for helping in the field Collections. Mr. Sushant More (Elphinstone College, Mumbai) is acknowledged for the preparation of the distribution map and helpful comments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Asif S. Tamboli is thankful to the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi for Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) (Award number 09/816(0042)/2018-EMR-I and ACK No- 113307/2K17/1). Jagdish V. Dalavi is thankful to Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change for Financial Support (F. No. 28011/11/2015 RE (Tax)). Suhas K. Kadam thanks to UGC, New Delhi for the Research Fellowship (DRS-SAP II, Grant No. F.4-8/2015/DRS II (SAP-II)). Shrirang R. Yadav is thankful to University Grant Commission (UGC) for BSR Faculty Fellowship (F.18-1/2011(BSR)/dt.15/02/2016). Ana Rita G. Simões thanks CAPES (Brazil) for funding her research work between 2015–2018 (Grant BJT 88881.067993/2014-01).

Funding

Asif S. Tamboli is thankful to the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi for Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) (Award number 09/816(0042)/2018-EMR-I and ACK No- 113307/2K17/1). Jagdish V. Dalavi is thankful to Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change for Financial Support (F. No. 28011/11/2015 RE (Tax)). Suhas K. Kadam thanks to UGC, New Delhi for the Research Fellowship (DRS-SAP II, Grant No. F.4-8/2015/DRS II (SAP-II)). Shrirang R. Yadav is thankful to University Grant Commission (UGC) for BSR Faculty Fellowship (F.18-1/2011(BSR)/dt.15/02/2016). Ana Rita G. Simões thanks CAPES (Brazil) for funding her research work between 2015–2018 (Grant BJT 88881.067993/2014-01).