Sequence data from the internal and external transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA of Cyclamen purpurascens allow geographic mapping
AbstractCyclamen purpurascens (Alpine, European or purple cyclamen) is native to central Europe. Since decades it is discussed wether the occurrences of C. purpurascens north of the alps is native or if it was introduced. Here the nuclear ribosomal DNAs (rDNA) are sequenced in oder to obtain a phylogenetic geographic pattern. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS and NTS/ETS sequences distinguish three main clades coinciding with geographical distribution: Eastern alps (Austria), southern alps (Switzerland, Italy) and western Alps (France). The paper presents interspecific relationship of C. purpurascens based on geographic sequences of rDNA. The observed variations suggest that some plants were introduced via Benedictine gardens and the plants from Monastery gardens seem to origin from Lower Austria.