Corchorus L. and Hibiscus L.: Molecular Phylogeny Helps to Understand Their Relative Evolution and Dispersal Routes

Members of the genera Corchorus L. and Hibiscus L. are excellent sources of natural fibers and becoming much important in recent times due to an increasing concern to make the world greener. The aim of this study has been to describe the molecular phylogenetic relationships among the important members of these two genera as well as to know their relative dispersal throughout the world. Monophyly of Corchorus L. is evident from our study, whereas paraphyletic occurrences have been identified in case of Hibiscus L. Although C. olitorius is assumed to be originated from Africa and C. capsularis from Indian subcontinent, our study found both to be related through maternal inheritance. This prompted us to put forward a hypothesis with archeological support to explain the dispersal routes of migration of these two Corchorus species. Similar migratory occurrences may also be true for Hibiscus L.