Phylogenetic analysis of chloroplast DNA variation in Coffea L.

The trnL-trnF intergenic spacer of cpDNA has been sequenced from 38 tree samples representing 23 Coffea taxa and the related genus Psilanthus. These sequences were used for phylogenetic reconstruction using parsimony analyses. The results suggest a radial mode of speciation and a recent origin in Africa for the genus Coffea. Phylogenetic relationships inferred from the cpDNA analysis suggest several major clades, which present a strong geographical correspondence (i.e., west Africa, central Africa, east Africa, and Madagascar). The overall results agree well with the phylogeny previously inferred from nuclear genome data. However, several inconsistencies are observed among taxa endemic to west Africa, suggesting the occurrence of introgressive hybridization. Evidence is also obtained for the genetic origin of the allotetraploid species C. arabica.