Phylogenetic study of the genus Rumex L. (Polygonaceae) in Iran based on nrDNA ITS sequences

The genus Rumex L.with more than 200 species, is one of the largest genus of the family Polygonaceae. This genus has 24 species and a wide range of distribution in Iran. In this study, we used the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrDNA ITS) sequences to present the phylogeny of the species of the genus Rumex in Iran. The results show that Rumex is most likely a monophyletic genus. In cladograms, species of R. subgenus Rumex form a monophyletic clade. Species of R. subgenus Acetosella do not form a monophyletic clade and the species are located within the species of R. subgenus Acetosa. So the current classification of the genus Rumex is not correct and needs further studies.