Molecular systematics of Aralia-Panax complex (Araliaceae) in India based on ITS sequences of nrDNA

Abstract

The relationships between the genera Araha L. and Panax L. (Araliaceae) in India were examined using data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The data were obtained from 43 accessions of Aralia and Panax to assess phylogenetic relationships of taxa distributed in different geographic regions The ITS sequence data support the monophyly of both Aralia and Panax and show a close relationship between the two genera. Three major groups within the Indian Panax are recognized: Panax assamicus group, Panax bipinnatifidus group and Panax variabilis group. Panax pseudoginseng collected from Nagaland, however, forms a separate group with P. pseudoginseng of Nepal.