Molecular and morphological evidence support merging <i>Autumnalia</i> , <i>Fergania</i> , and <i>Kafirnigania</i> into <i>Ferula</i> (Apiaceae)

Abstract This study investigates the phylogenetic placement and taxonomic status of the Central Asian endemic genera Autumnalia , Fergania and Kafirnigania —small genera historically regarded as close allies of Ferula . Using genome skimming, we extracted DNA from limited leaf specimens and de novo assembled complete plastid genomes and nrDNA (ETS + ITS). These new data were analyzed together with 25 published Ferula plastid genomes, complemented by morphological and anatomical examinations of mericarps from 15 Ferula and related taxa. The mericarp anatomy revealed that key diagnostic characters previously used to delineate the three genera fall entirely within the continuum of variation observed in Ferula . Specifically, the defining features of the revised Ferula include heteromorphic umbels (with central bisexual and lateral staminate/polygamous flowers), strongly dorsally compressed mericarps with broad wings, filiform ribs, and a diagnostic vitta configuration of 1 to several in vallecula and 2 to several on the commissure. Phylogenetically, all three genera are deeply embedded within Ferula in both nrDNA and plastid‐based trees, though topological incongruence between the two datasets suggests a complex history involving both hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting. Based on these findings, taxonomic revisions are proposed to subsume these genera within Ferula .

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