Overall phylogenetic relationships of Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) shed light on the origin of the predominantly Caucasian and Irano-Turanian S. orientalis group

Scutellaria is one of the largest genera in Lamiaceae with an estimated 400–500 species a nearly worldwide distribution. Most occur N hemisphere, Caucasus and wider Irano-Turanian region housing large number taxa, many them considered endemic. We present overall phylogeny monophyletic genus based on rapidly evolving plastid regions (matK-trnK, rpl16, trnL-F). Three well-supported clades are evident, which render currently accepted S. subg. paraphyletic to Apeltanthus, appears nested “clade A”, African schweinfurthii sister all remaining followed by other lineages Scutellaria. Ancestral states 12 morphological characters frequently used as diagnostic from subgenus level were reconstructed BayesTraits. The orientalis group major radiation area that may comprise up quarter genus. This corresponds monophyletically defined sect. Lupulinaria, characterized decussate inflorescences specialized (e.g. cucullate) bracts. Our phylogenetic data significant resolution at within group, indicating complex geographically centred patterns speciation adaptation steppe high mountain habitats, including multiple evolution pinnate tomentose leaves. detailed infrageneric classification Juzepczuk (1951, 1954) mostly does not reflect natural groups. Citation: Salimov R. A., Parolly G. & Borsch T. 2021: Overall relationships (Lamiaceae) shed light origin predominantly Caucasian group. – Willdenowia 51: 395–427. Version record first published online 23 December 2021 ahead inclusion issue.