Variation within Prostanthera spinosa (Lamiaceae): Evidence from morphological and molecular studies

Abstract

Specimens of Prostanthera spinosa F. Muell. representing the geographic range of the taxon were examined for morphological and genetic variation within the species. Patterns of morphological variation were documented and the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) DNA fingerprinting technique was used to assess the genetic relationships among plants from different populations. Morphological and molecular results were in broad agreement and supported distinct groups in both analyses. The differences detected warrant taxonomic recognition and three species are described representing geographically disjunct regions. Plants from the Grampians in Victoria, Eyre Peninsula, Flinders Ranges an..