Phylogenetic reconstruction and divergence time estimation of Blumea DC. (Asteraceae: Inuleae) in China based on nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnL-F sequences

The genus Blumea DC. is one of the economically most important genera of Inuleae (Asteraceae) in China. It is particularly diverse in south China, where 30 species occur, more than half of which are used as herbal medicine or in the chemical industry. However, little is known about the phylogenetic relationships and molecular evolution of this genus in China. We used nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) trnL-F sequences to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationship and estimate the divergence time of Blumea DC. in China. Results indicated the genus of Blumea DC. was monophyletic and could be divided into two clades, the two clades were resolved that differ with respect to habitat, morphology, chromosome type and chemical composition, of their members. Furthermore, based on the two root time of Asteraceae, the divergence time of Blumea DC. were compare estimated. Results indicated the most recent common ancestor of Asteraceae maybe originated from 76-66 Ma, and Blumea DC. maybe originated from 72.71-52.42 Ma, and had an explosive expansion during Oligocene and Miocene (30.09-11.44 Ma), two major clades were differentiated during the Palaeocene and Oligocene (66.29-46.72 Ma), also the evidence from paleogeography and paleoclimate also supported Blumea DC. had an differentiation and explosive expansion during Oligocene and Miocene.