| Abstract: | Total DNA was extracted from 25 species (8 genera) of the subfamily Lamioideae sensu Erdtman (family Labiatae). Using rbcL-specific primers, the rbcL gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 1420 bp were sequenced directly, or after cloning. RbcL sequences were evaluated with character-state (maximum parsimony; PAUP) and distance methods (neighbour-joining; MEGA). In agreement with classical systematics all taxa studied cluster outside the Nepetoideae. The following clades are apparent: I - Westringia/Prostanthera, II - Ajuga/Teucrium and III - Scutellaria, Stachys, Lamium and Marrubium. Lamium album, L. amplexicaule and L. garganicum appear as a sister clade to Marrubium. Both share a common ancestor with a second Lamium clade (including L. purpureum, L. maculatum and L. galeobdolon). The phylogenetic relationships are discussed with regard to the systematic classification of the subfamilies Lamioideae and Nepetoideae (sensu Erdtman). |
