The taxonomic position of Matricaria macrotis (Compositae-Anthemideae)

Abstract

Sequences of thenrDNAinternal transcribed spacer (ITS) region were analysed for 116 representative species of 59 genera of Compositae-Anthemideae to ascertain the taxonomic position of Matricaria macrotis, a rare and enigmatic species from the E Aegean. The phylogenetic reconstruction indicates that M. macrotis is nested within the genus Anthemis s.str. next to members of A. sect. Maruta. This re- sult is supported by morphological features. The previous inclusion of this species in the genus Ma- tricaria was mainly based on the absence of receptacular scales (pales), whereas several characters of indumentum, achene morphology and achene anatomy support its transfer to Anthemis. The new com- bination Anthemis macrotis is validated and a lectotype for the basionym designated.