New insight into molecular phylogeny and morphology of the genus Acer L. (Sapindaceae) native to Türkiye

Abstract

This study examined phylogenetic relationship, the taxonomic status and numerical morphometric analysis of 21 taxa of the genus Acer L. naturally found in Türkiye using the DNA sequence data of cpDNA ndhF, trnL-F and nrDNA ITS gene regions and 18 elucidative morphological characters. To date, no comprehensive molecular and morphological study dealing with the genus in Türkiye. Selected morphological traits of Dim1 (Leaf length, Leaf width, Petiole length, Loculus length, Loculus width, Fruit wing length and Fruit length) and Dim2 (Pubescence of leaf beneath, Margin, Latex and Form of nutles) are highly distinctive characters for the Acer genus in series and sectional levels. The nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast (trnL-F) gene regions were also found as quite diverse and informative. The results of phylogenetic and morphometric analysis revealed a relieable taxonomic clarification for the species Acer tauricolum, A. divergens (endemic to Türkiye), A. orthocampestre and A. cappadocicum subsp. cappadocicum. Chloroplast lineage of Acer species native to Türkiye appears to be originated in Oligocene and diversified mainly in Miocene. The majority of Acer speciation events in Türkiye is likely to be regulated by the habitats created by the by northern mountain ranges. Phylogenetically, the Acer species of Türkiye seemed to be closely related to the taxa from Asia and Europe.