Chapter Can Phylogenetics Clear Plant Taxonomic Confusion for Conservation and Sound Bioprospecting

Abstract

Different medicinal plant species may look morphologically similar (species convergence), or the same species can be morphologically different (species divergence), causing confusion in taxonomy, bioprospecting for new drugs, and conservation efforts. In extreme cases, morphological species convergence is so striking that it has the potential to mislead experienced plant collectors and biologists, as has been the case with several species. However, these similarities and differences are easily separated by phylogenetic techniques. The problem of cryptic species, speciation, and other related taxonomic issues can be solved at molecular level using DNA barcodes and phylogenetic analysis. These techniques aid in the correct identification of plants and provide information, which is then used in bioprospecting and conservation. Advanced and effective techniques of ex situ conservation of medicinal plants, such as cryopreservation, have been widely explored and have shown immense potential in medicinal plant conservation. Plant material for cryopreservation is identified using molecular biology techniques. In this chapter, we review the usefulness of some phylogenetic techniques in taxonomic differentiation as bioprospecting and cryopreservation tools.