Molecular and morphological evidence for an origin of the aberrant genus Milula within himalayan species of Allium (Alliacae)

Abstract

Phylogenetic relationships between Allium and the monotypic Himalayan genus Milula were analyzed using sequences of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and of the intergenic spacers from the chloroplast trnD(GUC)-trnT(GGU) region. Both marker systems unambiguously placed Milula spicata within Allium subgenus Rhizirideum, close to A. cyathophorum. Morphologically, the main difference between Allium and Milula is the conspicuous spicate inflorescence of Milula vs the mostly capitate or umbellate inflorescences in Allium. Anatomical investigations of leaf characters support a close relationship of Milula with A. cyathophorum and A. mairei, whereas root characters are distinctive from other species of section Cyathophora. To maintain Allium as monophyletic, Milula has been included as A. spicatum in Allium subgenus Rhizirideum.