Evolutionary relationships of poorly known Aegean endemic monotypic genus Microsciadium (Apiaceae)

In this study, the Aegean endemic genus Microsciadium was first evaluated in light of both ribosomal and chloroplast DNA datasets. According to the literature, Microsciadium minutum was determined as Cuminum minutum, then transferred to Carum (as C. minutum), and then Azorella (as A. minuta). Interestingly, these three genera belong to different tribes, even to different subfamilies. Since the phylogenetic position of Microsciadium was unknown, we analyzed this monotypic genus with a broad sampling of Apiaceae based on rps16 intron and an internal transcribed spacer. Microsciadium is well nested in the tribe Pyramidoptereae in Apioideae based on both datasets. Also, this genus is closely related to Hellenocarum. In addition, the detailed description, photographs, and micrographs of M. minutum are presented. The name is lectotypified here.