Phylogenetic insights into Indian Eugenia emphasizing the resolution of the position of the monotypic genus Meteoromyrtus (Myrtaceae).

The Paleotropical diversity of the predominantly Neotropical genus Eugenia is dispersed among different continental fragments with India’s Southern Western Ghats harbouring several under-surveyed endemic species. Groups working on Eugenia have previously highlighted the need to include these species in broader phylogenetic assessments. The present study attempts to understand the phylogenetic affinities of Indian species with other Paleotropical species, the position and support of the Eugenia sect. Jossinia and the position of Meteoromyrtus wynaadensis in context with Indian species to which this controversial genus is most closely related to give a final mandate over its generic status. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference approaches have been used to interpret the species interrelationships. This study showed that both chloroplast and nuclear markers in combination helped in better elucidation of the phylogenetic relationships of the species than single markers. Our analyses also provided a strongly supported Indian clade within the Eugenia sect. Jossinia and reinforced the relegation of the generic status of Meteoromyrtus. Indian Eugenia species form a highly supported clade with its members showing highest affinities with the representatives from East Africa, Mascarene Islands, and Australian species. Our results further support for a Paleotropical clade within this predominantly Neotropical genus. We echo the placement of M. wynaadensis within Eugenia (now Eugenia wynadensis) with high support in relation to other endemic Indian Eugenia species, thus providing a robust testament for merging this erstwhile monotypic genus.