Molecular phylogenetic study of Hopea and Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae): Evidence from the trn L– trn F and internal transcribed spacer regions

Hopea and Shorea are economically important timber tree genera distributed throughout South‐East Asia. The taxonomic limits of these genera are problematic. Molecular phylogenies of Hopea and Shorea were inferred using two non‐coding regions of chloroplast ( trn L –trn F) and nuclear ribosomal (internal transcribed spacer) DNA. The inferred phylogenetic relationships between Hopea and Shorea indicate that Shorea is paraphyletic and that Hopea is potentially monophyletic (particularly section Dryobalanoides ). The inferred groupings within Shorea are very similar to a previous classification based on timber characteristics. The present study also identified four anomalous taxa, whose phylogenetic positions and taxonomic status require further investigation.