Hossein bibak

Acantholimon (Plumbaginaceae) is one of the most diverse genera in Iran with 83 accepted species. Approximately 22 species are documented in the south regions of the country, 16 of which are endemic, mainly restricted to Kerman province. For this study, approximately 45 specimens were collected and analyzed to investigate taxonomic and molecular relationships. Significant taxonomic value was found in characters such as inflorescence type, flower measurements, and calyx morphology/venation. Twenty-two species (45 accessions) from four sections were analyzed using Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian methods based on nrDNA ITS and plastid rpl32-trnL (UAG) sequences. Both datasets yielded similar, highly congruent phylogenetic trees, revealing that the Acantholimon sections in southern Iran are not monophyletic. Notably, the A. scorpius population clustered with individuals from A. spinicalyx, despite morphological differences. This research concludes with the development of a comprehensive diagnostic key and a species distribution map for the southern Iranian taxa. These findings establish a crucial foundation for future studies on the phylogeny, classif ication, identification, and conservation of the genus.