Phylogenetic Relationships of Dianthus (Caryophyllaceae) Species Found in South Africa

This study addresses the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Dianthus in South Africa, employing a molecular analysis approach and the distribution pattern of the representatives of the genus. A robust phylogenetic tree comprising three plastids (trnH-psbA, trnK-matK, and trnK-psbA) and a nuclear region was assembled based on 94 taxa of Dianthus and Petrorhagia species using Mr Bayes analysis. Furthermore, distribution maps for each Dianthus species were generated using QGIS. Our results have revealed Dianthus as monophyletic when Petrorhagia is used as an outgroup. Four strongly supported clades were identified (Africa, Eurasian, Verruculosi and Armerium), indicating geographical distinctions. We identified potential discrepancies, notably in the placement of D. mooiensis and D. namaensis. An unexpected relationship between D. thunbergii and D. bolusii was also highlighted, which challenges current morphological classifications. Defined clades were further observed within African Dianthus (Ethiopian and Northern African species; BS/100, and Western and Eastern regions of South Africa; BS/100), while two subclades (BS/100 and BS/72) were observed within the South African clade. Additionally, ITS generated unsupported and unresolved trees independently, as with the three plastid markers (trnH-psbA, trnK-matK, and trnK-psbA). The identified clades and unresolved species placements warrant further investigation, possibly through additional molecular gene markers and broader taxon sampling.

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