Chloroplast DNA variation and geographical structure of the Aristolochia kaempferi group (Aristolochiaceae)

The present study documents cpDNA variation in the Aristolochia kaempferi group (Aristolochiaceae), which consists of one Chinese and all Japanese and Taiwanese species of the subgenus Siphisia. In a phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of the matK gene, and the atpB-rbcL and trnS-trnG intergenic spacer regions, 38 haplotypes were recognized in the A. kaempferi group and as many as 24 within A. kaempferi. This is the most haplotypes reported for a single species to date. Although six highly significant major clades were identified in the phylogenetic analysis, they were not congruent with previous classifications. This might be attributed to the specific speciation process, such as convergent evolution, incomplete lineage sorting, and/or reticulate evolution. The six major clades had a clear geographical distribution pattern and were significantly associated with geographical distribution of haplotypes in a nested clade analysis and AMOVA. The results allow us to deduce a scenario in which multiple contractions and expansions of the geographical ranges brought about by Quaternary climatic oscillations affected the patterns of genetic diversity. The present geographic patterns of haplotype distribution within the A. kaempferi group can be explained by the last postglacial range expansion from different refugia, and the boundaries may be suture zones.