Phylogenetic position of Neofinetia and Sedirea (Orchidaceae) and their species identification using the chloroplast matK and the nuclear ITS sequences

ABSTRACT: Phylogenetic positions of Sedirea and Neofinetia were addressed using the chloroplast mat K andthe nuclear ITS sequences. We also evaluate the usefulness of the makers for the identification of species andlocalities. Sedirea and Neofinetia form an independent monophyletic genus, respectively, in both mat K andnuclear ITS trees. The sister genus of the Neofinetia was Vanda in both trees. In addition, our trees support theseparate recognition of the Neofinetia from Vanda rather than the inclusion of Neofinetia into Vanda . The sistergroup of the Sedirea was (Dimorphorchis (Pteroceras (Saccolabiun+Phalaeonopsis ))) clade. The Dimorphorchiswas one of the most probable sister genus to the Sedirea . The sister group relationship between Sedirea andAerides was suggested by their similar morphology, but not supported in molecular trees. The identification ofspecies and localities of Neofinetia was possible using our two molecular markers. However, several pseudo-genesequences are discovered from the public data base. In addition, the horizontal gene transfer of chloroplast genomes isfrequent events in orchid hybrids. Therefore, we need a careful evaluation for the data prior to systematic use.Generation of sequence data from multiple accessions of a species may helpful to reduce these types of error.