Plastome evidence repositions Abelmoschus ficulneus as a close relative of cultivated okra (Abelmoschus esculentus, Malvaceae)

Plastome characterization of Embelia ribes Burm. f. (Myrsinoideae: Primulaceae): comparative analysis and phylogenetic inference

The Complete Chloroplast Genome of Ficus gasparriniana var. laceratifolia Reveals Discordance Between Morphology-Based Classification and Plastid Phylogeny

This plastome provides a valuable genomic resource and reveals robust discordance between morphology-based classification and plastid phylogenetic placement in F. gasparriniana, providing a foundation for future nuclear-genomic and population-level tests of the alternative evolutionary scenarios underlying this discordance.

Comparative chloroplast genomics and phylogenomic insights into the genus Zehneria (Cucurbitaceae)

This work offers novel insights into genomic diversity and evolutionary history of sampled Zehneria species, providing a critical molecular resource for future taxonomic and phylogenetic studies within Cucurbitaceae.

Comparative mitochondrial genome analysis of two biting midges, Dasyhelea ludingensis and Forcipomyia (Lasiohelea) taiwana (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

This study sequenced and characterized the complete mitogenomes of Dasyhelea ludingensis and Forcipomyia taiwana to explore their genomic structure and phylogenetic relationships and provides essential genomic resources for future studies in systematics, phylogenetics, and population genetics of biting midges.

The complete chloroplast genome and phylogenetic analysis of Urceola huaitingii (Chun & Tsiang) D. J. Middleton 1994 (Apocynaceae)

Abstract Urceola huaitingii (Chun & Tsiang) D. J. Middleton 1994, a member of the Apocynaceae family, is widely distributed across southern and southwestern China and has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat hemiplegia and paralysis. In this study, we report the first complete chloroplast genome of U. huaitingii and perform phylogenetic analysis with 30 related species within the Apocynaceae. The chloroplast genome of U. huaitingii is 155,182 bp in length and has a GC content of 38.11%. It displays a typical quadripartite structure, consisting of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 85,254 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,242 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,843 bp each. A total of 111 unique genes were annotated, including 77 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that U. huaitingii is closely related to the genera Aganosma, Trachelospermum, and Amalocalyx. This study provides the first chloroplast genomic resource for the genus Urceola, laying a foundation for future investigations into its evolutionary relationships. It also contributes to future molecular and phylogenetic studies within the Apocynaceae family.

Allium erimomeli, a new hexaploid species of A. sect. Codonoprasum (Amaryllidaceae) from Milos and Antimilos Islands (Kiklades, Greece)

Background and aims – The genus Allium exhibits extensive diversification in the Mediterranean Basin, where insular endemism and polyploidy have played a significant role in species evolution. During taxonomic and biosystematic studies of A. sect. Codonoprasum , an undescribed species was discovered on the volcanic islands of Milos and Antimilos (Kiklades, Greece). This study aims to determine its taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships using an integrative approach. Material and methods – The new species was investigated using comparative morphology, leaf anatomy, karyological analyses, genome size estimation by flow cytometry, and phylogenetic reconstruction based on nrITS sequence data. These data were compared with those of closely related species, particularly A. occultum , as well as other representatives of A. sect. Codonoprasum from Europe and the Mediterranean region. Key results – Allium erimomeli is described here as a new species. Karyological and flow cytometric analyses revealed a hexaploid chromosome complement (2 n = 6 x = 48) with a mean genome size of 46.2 pg. Phylogenetic reconstruction recovered the species as a strongly supported clade sister to the tetraploid A. occultum . Despite their close phylogenetic relationship, the two taxa differ in ploidy level, genome size, and diagnostic morphological characters, primarily relating to the bulb, leaves, and ovary. Additional differentiation is supported by leaf anatomy. Morphological characters were also compared with those of A. sibthorpianum and A. rumelicum . Conclusion – The recognition of A. erimomeli as a distinct species emphasizes the significance of polyploidy and insular isolation in the diversification of A. sect. Codonoprasum in the Aegean region. These findings further enhance our understanding of evolutionary relationships within the section and call for expanded phylogenetic and cytogenetic sampling across the eastern Mediterranean region.