Biosystematic Study of Cyperaceae from Pakistan: Carex canescens, Carex nubigena, and Carex remota

Abstract

Cyperaceae (Sedges) are third among monocots and seventh among angiosperms. It has 5500 species and 109 generas. Carex is largest genera with 2200 species. They are found in variety of habitats. They can grow in marshes, swamps, around river banks, in terrestrial and damp places. They are very important part of wetlands. Ecologically, economically and ethnobotanically they are very important. Distinguishing characters of this family members are, they have triangular and non-jointed stems, and terminal inflorescence with bracts. Taxonomical studies of this family are very difficult because of very tiny and complex inflorescence. Present study focuses on biosystematic analysis of Carex canescens, Carex nubigena, Carex remota. Carex canescens was collected from Lulusar lake and Carex nubigena, Carex remota were collected from Ayubia National Park. This study involves the analysis of morphological characteristics such as glume, achene, inflorescence, anther and utricle. These parts were analyzed on both morphological and micro morphological level with help of Light Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope. Herbarium specimen were prepared and submitted to PMNH as reference for future studies for all three species. Molecular analysis was performed by amplifying 4 barcoding markers regions. ITS, ETS, rbcL and matK regions were amplified and sequenced. Sequences were submitted to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and sequence accession numbers were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis was performed with help of Geneious software. Neighbor joining, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analysis trees were constructed. The trees suggested close relationship between the species under study with similar taxa. Present study provides detailed account of morphological, micro morphological and molecular data of these three species.