V3I10P47

Integrative Taxonomy in Plant Systematics: Advances in Species Delimitation, Evidence Integration and Emerging Challenges

Badne Chandraprakash Murari^1*

Abstract

Plant taxonomy and systematics provide the framework through which plant diversity is identified, named, classified and interpreted in an evolutionary context. The expansion of molecular phylogenetics, DNA barcoding, genome-scale methods, ecological analysis and digitised botanical collections has broadened the evidence available for species delimitation. At the same time, these developments have made taxonomic decisions more complex. Morphological variation may not correspond neatly to evolutionary lineages; gene trees may disagree because of incomplete lineage sorting, hybridisation or introgression; and different analytical methods can produce boundaries that depend on sampling and model assumptions. Integrative taxonomy addresses these challenges by evaluating complementary lines of evidence rather than treating a single character system as universally decisive. This review critically discusses the conceptual foundations of integrative taxonomy, the contributions and limitations of morphological, anatomical, cytological, reproductive, ecological, geographical and molecular evidence, and the role of phylogenomics and emerging computational approaches. It also considers the distinction between species discovery, species delimitation, taxonomic classification and nomenclatural decisions under the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. Particular attention is given to evidence discordance, hybrid and polyploid plant groups, cryptic diversity, reproducibility and the risk of interpreting clusters as species without sufficient biological justification. The review argues that robust taxonomic conclusions require explicit species concepts, transparent sampling, critical evaluation of evidence independence, careful treatment of uncertainty and accessible documentation of specimens and analytical decisions. Rather than proposing a universal algorithm, it identifies practical priorities for a pluralistic but disciplined integrative workflow. These include preregistered or clearly stated analytical choices where appropriate, open access to vouchers and sequence records, explicit reporting of conflicting evidence, and closer coordination between taxonomic expertise and computational methods.

Keywords:

plant systematics; integrative taxonomy; species delimitation; DNA barcoding; phylogenomics; hybridisation; polyploidy; taxonomic uncertainty; botanical nomenclature