A TAXONOMIC REVISION OF SCUTELLARIA MULTICAULIS (LAMIACEAE) SPECIES COMPLEX IN IRAN

In a taxonomic revision of the genus Scutellaria in Iran, the specimens identified as Sc. multicaulis Boiss. in the herbarium of Research Institute of Forests & Rangelands (TARI) as well as specimens belonging to the newly collected materials were examined and sampled for DNA sequencing by using nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-F as molecular markers. Morphological variations such as flowers color, leaf shape and indumentum were diagnostic characters in the studied specimens. Accordingly, specimens could be divided into two different morphological groups. Sampling of representatives of each morphological group was carried out for DNA sequencing. The results showed differences in sequences of determined groups. Based on the results of this study, three new taxa are recognized and described.