Molecular Phylogeny of the Philippine Endemic Genus Antherostele Bremek. (Rubiaceae) Inferred from ITS Data (nrDNA) and Its Conservation Status

摘要: Antherostele Bremek. is an understudied genus of Rubiaceae endemic to the Philippines formerly comprising four species shrubs or small trees distributed in Luzon and Visayas. In this first molecular study genus, ITS (nrDNA) was utilized determine monophyly Antherostele, reconstruct its phylogeny, resolve placement Rubiaceae. Furthermore, update on assessment conservation status included done. monophyletic nested within tribe Urophylleae subfamily Rubioideae which confirms segregation from Urophyllum as proposed by earlier authors based morphology. However, relationships members remain unresolved. united reflexed corolla, hairs upper side corolla lobes syngenesious stamens. The montane A. luzoniensis with leaves found be sister rest species. hypothesized originate regions diversified forming larger following dispersal shaded forest understory. From five currently recognized study, two are endangered (A. banahaensis, grandistipula) three critically including a new callophylla, luzoniensis, sp. nov.) criteria IUCN.