Phylogeny of Corydalis, ITS and morphology

Abstract

The phylogeny of Corydalis was deduced from sequences of the transcribed spacers in the nuclear ribosomal DNA. A unique derivation of zygomorphic flowers and a basal position of a paraphyletic Dicentra is suggested. The section Strictae is sistergroup to the rest of the genus, which consists of two well supported clades: (Sophorocapnos, Thalictrifoliae, Aulacostigma and Cheilanthifoliae), and the majority of the genus, including all the tuberous groups. Duplotuber is far removed from the other tuberous sections.