Taxonomic Composition of Subser. (Iridaceae) Inferred from Chloroplast DNA and Morphological Analyses.

The species of subser. are herbaceous perennials found mainly in southwestern and central China and also in the Eastern Himalayas. To date, six species have been recognized in this group. In the framework of its taxonomic revision, we have carried out molecular and morphological studies. For this, we have sequenced four chloroplast DNA regions (-, , , and -) for 25 samples across the major distribution ranges of the six species. Our phylogenetic analyses evidence that subser. is indeed a monophyletic group, which is sister to subser. . Within subser. , we have recovered four divergent lineages further supported by diagnosable morphological traits and geographical distributions. In this context, our data confirm the recognition of , , and in their traditional concepts. Furthermore, both molecular and morphological data support the close affinities and similar distribution ranges of , , and , which suggests including and as color forms in . A revised taxonomic treatment for the group, including the notes on the species distributions and habitats, and also an identification key to the species are provided.