Article

Revision of the genus Anethum (Apiaceae) in North Africa, with the rediscovery of two little-known species

Authors:
Chatelain C.
,
Chambouleyron M.
,
Mombrial F.
,
Léger J.-.
,
Perret M.
Publication: Flora Mediterranea
Pages: 113-128
Keywords:

Anethum theurhauffii, -Anethum subinodorum_, Foeniculum, Ridolfia, phylogeny, ITS, mericarp morphology, Maghreb, taxonomy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7320/FlMedit36.113
Article history:

  1. Received

  2. (last) revision received

  3. Accepted

  4. Published online

Abstract

The rediscovery of two little-known species, Foeniculum subinodorum and Anethum theurkauffii in Morocco and Mauritania has led us to revise the taxonomy of the genus Anethum, with support of molecular data (nrDNA ITS and plastid rps16 sequences). Our phylogenetic analyses and morphological observations confirm that these two taxa are the same species to be renamed under Anethum subinodorum. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis of the whole genus Anethum led us to recognize the close relationship between A. subinodorum and A. foeniculoides; and confirm that Foeniculum scoparium from Chad should be treated as a synonym of A. foeniculum. We recognize eight taxa (seven species and one subspecies) in Anethum, for which we propose an identification key and finally we here propose one new combination and design two lectotypes . These results confirm that Morocco is the center of diversity of Anethum with two strict sub-Saharan endemic species and a Mediterranean one.

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