Diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae) naturally occurring in Assam, India
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https://doi.org/10.15625/2615-9023/23849Keywords:
Basil, natural populations, species diversity, nrDNA-ITS2, phylogenyAbstract
The inflorescence, bracts, and floral architecture are key characteristics for distinguishing species of Ocimum L.; however, extensive morphological variability often complicates species delimitation within the genus. This study documents the diversity, diagnostic characters, and phylogenetic relationships of naturally occurring Ocimum taxa in Assam, India, including three new regional distribution records for northeastern India. Morphological characterization was complemented with sequence analysis of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (nrDNA-ITS2) region to assess species boundaries and relationships. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS2 sequences successfully resolved most accessions at the species level and broadly supported the classical grouping of Ocimum into herbaceous and shrubby lineages. However, limited resolution was observed at the infraspecific level, particularly in Ocimum tenuiflorum, where Krishna and Radha types were not genetically differentiated. Additionally, certain accessions exhibited weak or ambiguous clustering patterns, reflecting potential complexities such as hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting. These findings indicate that while ITS2 is a useful and practical marker for species-level identification in Ocimum, it has limitations in resolving closely related or infraspecific taxa. The study highlights the importance of integrating morphological and molecular approaches and provides a baseline for future multi-locus and genomic investigations aimed at resolving complex evolutionary relationships within the genus.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mamita Kalita, Diganta Narzary, Bhaben Tanti, Nilakshee Devi
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