Morphology and ITS sequences provide insights into the phylogeny of Tongoloa (Apiaceae) from China

Abstract Background Tongoloa is a genus comprising approximately 20 species, primarily distributed in the mountainous regions of southwest China. The insufficiency of specimen materials and morphological similarities among species render it a taxonomically challenging genus within the Apiaceae family. To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy of Chinese Tongoloa, this study utilized a total of 115 nrITS sequences, including 47 recently obtained sequences, for phylogenetic reconstruction. Results Phylogenetic relationships reconstructed from ITS sequences indicate that the East Asia Clade and the Komarovia Clade are sister groups, and Tongoloa belongs to the East Asia Clade. Species of Tongoloa are subdivided into 3 distinct groups, all sharing similar fruit morphologies and are clearly differentiated from related taxa. Several Tongoloa-like members classified under other genera are interpreted to be closely related to Tongoloa. Morphological and molecular data indicate that Tongoloa, Sinolimprichtia subclade and Chinese Trachydium subclade are separate yet genetically contiguous taxa. It is confirmed that Tongoloa zhongdianensis belongs to the Hymenidium Clade, while Sinocarum is classified within the Acronema Clade. Two new taxa are found in the Hengduan Mountains. Conclusion Tongoloa is a genus within the East Asia Clade of Apiaceae, and the phylogeny reconstructed based on ITS sequences divides it into 3 main groups. By integrating fruit morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses, we preliminary clarified the intricate taxonomic relationships among Tongoloa and related taxa. These results provide valuable opportunities for a deeper understanding of the phylogeny of Tongoloa.