Preliminary report on taxonomical position of Vavilovia formosa (Stev.) Fed. evidenced from morphological and molecular data

Abstract

The Fabeae Rchb. (syn. Vicieae Adans.) tribe includes numerous representatives of special agricultural value and has; therefore, received considerable attention. Despite (or because of) this, there are certain problems concerning its systematics and phylogeny. One of the most problematic groups within the tribe is the monotypic genus Vavilovia Fed. It includes very small perennial plants inhabiting the highlands of the Caucasus, Turkey, Lebanon and Iran. Although almost two centuries have passed since the first description of this plant was reported by C. Steven (more detailed information on the history of its taxonomical status is presented in (1), its status remains unresolved. Previously it was included in the genera Orobus, Lathyrus, Pisum, or treated as a separate genus, Alophotropis Grossh. or Vavilovia Fed. The most recent monographs on the family tend to describe its status as a monotypic genus including a single species, Vavilovia formosa (Stev.) Fed. (2).