Use of rbcl gene sequence of plastid region as a tool in taxonomic authentication and phylogeny of Medicinal Plants

Abstract

The Western Ghats of India are known to be a major biological hotspot that supports the plant diversity and endemism. The Euphorbia fusiformis representative species of Euphorbiaceae is famous for its use as medicinal herbs. The tuber and latex is used in various ayurvedic medicines. Taxonomic identification of tubers and powders is becoming a great challenge as per classical plant taxonomy. The present study deals with generation of rbcl gene sequences from Euphorbia fusiformis and its phylogenetic relationship with other species of the genus Euphorbia.