Integrative revision of Dianthus superbus subspecies reveals different degrees of differentiation, from plasticity to species distinction

Abstract

Within many species, confusions occur between infraspecific taxa, recurrent ecotypic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity. Subspecies are often debated when they are supported only by slight morphological differentiation coupled to habitat variation. In this context we tested the evolutionary support of the four contested subspecies of Dianthus superbus. Based on 147 Eurasian accessions, our integrative study combines three complementary approaches: (i) Genetic differentiation, with neutral genetic markers, i.e. 326 AFLP markers, 25 nuclear microsatellites and nrDNA ITS ribotypes; (ii) morphological differentiation, with 20 morphometric characters measured in situ and ex situ to assess phenotypic variation; (iii) ecological differentiation, indirectly based on 128 floral volatile compounds under selection of habitat-specific pollinators. Phylogenetic, morphometric and biochemical analyses support the distinction between European and East Asian samples, with an intermediate position of Central Asian samples. However, in Europe, phylogenetic markers only slightly distinguish West from Central European samples, without support for subspecies. Morphometric differentiation was found for subsp. alpestris. This morphotype was stable ex situ under different climatic conditions, and also supported by slight differences in volatile scents and phenology. Infraspecific taxonomy still reveals interesting polymorphisms, but also calls for a revision toward refined taxa. Dianthus superbus subspecies highlighted three dissimilar cases: (i) the East Asian subsp. longicalycinus must be considered as a distinct species; (ii) the morphometric and ecological distinction of subsp. alpestris supports its ecotypic differentiation despite a lack of phylogenetic divergence; (iii) subsp. sylvestris was not supported by any markers, arguing for an artefact of phenotypic plasticity under different environmental conditions.

Keywords:

• Infraspecific taxonomy
• subspecies
• Dianthus
• ecotype
• phenotypic plasticity
• floral scents

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Société Botanique de France (grant 147726). For their highly valuable work effort, the authors also thank following Master's students from the University of Strasbourg: Fiona Delhaye, Marie Duval, Maxime Gilbert, Romain Jaeger, Manon Moschard, Camille Pierron, Manon Speth, Lucas Suss, Morgane Thomas. For sampling support, we are grateful to Gabriella Somogyi, Michelle Trémolières, French Botanical Conservatories, Botanical Gardens (Bonn, Klangenfurt, Krefeld, Graz, Mulhouse, St Gallen, Tokyo Metropolitan Medicinal Botanical Garden) and Herbaria (BRNU, E, LZ, STR, TAIF, WU). Laurent Hardion wholeheartedly thanks his thesis supervisor, Régine Verlaque, for support and helpful comments on the manuscript.

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2020.1737979.

Associate Editor: Nadia Bystriakova

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Société Botanique de France (grant 147726)