Resolving the Taxonomic Puzzle of the Justicia–Rungia Complex Using Biochemical and Embryological Evidence

Abstract

Traditionally embryological characters have been used for solving various taxonomic problems regarding the plant systematics. The biomolecules such as the Isozymes has been one of the very important tools for studying various aspects in plant biology.Taxonomic position of several members ofFamily Acanthaceaeis debated. The complex is Justicia –RungiaComplex is highly debatable. Justicia is basically a Linnaean Genus which included Rungia also. But later Rungia was alienated from Justicia based on some trivialcharacters. Justicia hasfurther given way to the formation of new genus Rostellularia. In the present investigation Isozymes and embryological data was used to study the Justicia –RungiaComplex. The study has revealed a clearer scenario regarding its position. Some of the plants whose isozymes and embryology were studied are Justiciaprocumbens, Rungiarepens, HaplanthusverticillatusandBlepharisrepens. About nineteen isozymes were studied for the current work but Amylases, NAD diaphoreses, Esterase, Polyphenol oxidases, Ribulosebiphosphate carboxylase and Superoxide dismutase showed better resolution. Thus the embryological and isozyme study using UPGMA clearly indicates a very close similarity between Justiciaprocumbens and Rungiarepens.