Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status of the monotypic Chinese genus Anemoclema (Ranunculaceae)

The phylogenetic relationships of the monotypic Chinese genus Anemoclema (Ranunculaceae) within tribe Anemoneae are unclear and its taxonomic status has long been in dispute. Here we present a molecular analysis to address the problems. Nuclear ITS and plastid atpBrbcL fragments were analyzed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods. Within tribe Anemoneae, two strongly supported clades corresponding to subtribes Anemoninae and Clematidinae are recovered. Anemoclema and Clematis s.1. are sister within the Clematidinae and Anemone s.1., a genus previously regarded as closely related to or congeneric with Anemoclema, is alone within Anemoninae clade. Our results demonstrate that Anemoclema is more closely related to Clematis than to Anemone, and thus should be transferred from Anemoninae into Clematidinae. From a morphological perspective and with the intention of maintaining nomenclatural stability we suggest that Anemoclema be recognized as a second genus within Clematidinae.