Taxonomic notes on some species in the genus Clausena (Rutaceae) in China based on molecular and morphological data

Abstract

Clausena (Rutaceae) is only one genus native both to the Monsoon region and to tropical and subtropical Africa in the subfamily Aurantioideae. The most distinctive morphological character in this genus is the gynophore supporting the ovary and the morphology of pistil can help to define the natural groups of species. Based on the morphological data of flowers and molecular phylogeny of ITS, trnL-F and atpB-rbcL, the taxonomic problems of some species in China are resolved here. The species C. lenis has a separate status in the genus Clausena, then C. lansium stands apart from other species except C. lenis; the species status of five species, C. odorata, C. vestita, C. dunniana, C. emarginata, and C. anisum-olens are restated. Clausena (Rutaceae) is only one genus native both to the Monsoon region and to tropical and subtropical Africa in the subfamily Aurantioideae. The most distinctive morphological character in this genus is the gynophore supporting the ovary and the morphology of pistil can help to define the natural groups of species. Based on the morphological data of flowers and molecular phylogeny of ITS, trnL-F and atpB-rbcL, the taxonomic problems of some species in China are resolved here. The species C. lenis has a separate status in the genus Clausena, then C. lansium stands apart from other species except C. lenis; the species status of five species, C. odorata, C. vestita, C. dunniana, C. emarginata, and C. anisum-olens are restated.