Phylogenetic analysis of some endemic Sideritis L. species based on matK and rbcL sequences

In this study, phylogenetic analyses and DNA barcode analyses of the endemic species Sideritis brevidens, Sideritis congesta, Sideritis erythrantha var. cedretorum, Sideritis libanotica subsp. violascens, Sideritis rubriflora and Sideritis vuralii with chloroplast matK and rbcL sequences were carried out. Sideritis species were brought to the laboratory and genomic DNA was isolated. PCR was performed using matK and rbcL primers. Sequencing analysis was performed after visualisation of PCR products on 1% gel electrophoresis. Both forward and reverse sequences were corrected manually using Sequencher 5.4 and contig sequences were generated. Contig sequences were blasted at NCBI and similarity ratios were determined. The NJ phylogenetic tree was constructed using the matK and rbcL sequences of Stachys, Salvia, Lamium, Nepeta and Satureja species from NCBI and the relationships between species were revealed. As a result of the study, matK analyses were not effective in analysing Sideritis species within themselves. In its phylogenetic relationship with other species, it appeared in the same group as Stachys species. In rbcL analysis, Sideritis rubriflora and Sideritis vuralli species were found together, while other Sideritis species were found in a polytomy. In its phylogenetic relationship with other species it appeared in the same group as Stachys species. Both matK and rbcL results were compatible.