Molecular Systematics and Biogeography of Crawfurdia, Metagentiana and Tripterospermum (Gentianaceae) Based on Nuclear Ribosomal and Plastid DNA Sequences

Abstract

The molecular analyses revealed that Crawfurdia, Metagentiana and Tripterospermum do not merit status as three separate genera, because sampled species of Crawfurdia and Tripterospermum are embedded within Metagentiana. The speciation and rapid radiation of these three genera is likely to have occurred in western China as a result of upthrust of the Himalayas during the late Miocene and the Pleistocene.