Biosystematics Study of Cyperaceae from Himalayan Region of Pakistan; Eleocharis palustris, Eleocharis uniglumis, Carex canescens, Carex pseudolaxa

Abstract

Cyperaceae (Sedges) are the third largest family among monocots and seventh among angiosperms. They are found in almost every habitat and grow usually in swamps, riverbank, marshes, terrestrial and damp places. Carex is the largest genera with 2200 species. The genus Eleocharis is the herbaceous annual or perennial and rhizomatous that contains around 250 species. Eleocharis species lack leaf blades, bracts and possess single terminal spike and round stem cross section They are very important economically, ecologically and ethnobotanically as they are being used for treatment of several remedies. The correct identification of these species has a great importance, but the taxonomical identification of these species is very difficult due to complex microscopic inflorescence. In this research work, the study was focused on biosystematics study of Carex canescens, Carex pseudolaxa, Eleocharis palustris and Eleocharis uniglumis. These species were collected from different localities of the northern areas of Pakistan. The morphological and micro morphological characters were analyzed by using Stereo Light Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope. Molecular study was accomplished by using three genetic markers ITS, ETS and matK regions. Phylogenetic studies were performed using Neighbor Joining, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Analysis. The study provides the taxonomical position of the four species based on morphological, micromorphological and molecular data that is used to fill the gap in the Flora of Pakistan.