Phylogenetic Placement and Taxonomic Reinvestigation of Endemic and Endangered Plant Species: Silene leucophylla Boiss. and Silene schimperiana Boiss. (Caryophyllaceae)

Abstract

The two endemic plant species Silene leucophylla and Silene schimperiana (Caryophyllaceae) are native to the Sinai Peninsula which is considered as one of the floristically richest phytogeographical hot spot regions in of the Mediterranean basin. The biodiversity of the Sinai Peninsula is crucial for conservation and sustainable development in the area. Endemic plant species of the Sinai Peninsula are vulnerable to anthropogenic threats due to their relatively low population sizes. In the current study, we reinvestigated the taxonomic statues of two medicinally important and endangered species. The integrated approach involved macro- and micro-morphological traits using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) as well as phylogenetic analysis were conducted, while phylogenetic analysis were also conducted. Phylogenetic reconstruction using Bayesian Inference based on DNA sequences of nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast (rbcL and matK) markers retrieved the species phylogenies successfully. Silene leucophylla and Silene schimperiana were placed phylogenetically within the whole genus. The sectional classification of the two species was confirmed. Silene leucophylla was placed in section Siphonomorpha while Silene schimperiana allied to section Sclerocalycinae. The current study reaffirmed that the integration of various morphological and molecular approaches is useful for identifying and, determining the taxonomic statues, and revealing the phylogenetic positions of these two endangered plant taxa.