Infrageneric phylogenetics investigation of Chimonanthus based on electroactive compound profiles

Voltammetric scan can record the profile of electrochemical active substances in plant tissues. Because the distribution of chemical components in plants is controlled by genes, these profiles can reflect differences at the genetic level in different species. In this study, the voltammetric scan was applied to the investigation of macrophanerophytes taxonomy. All species of Chimonanthus with two exotaxa were deliberately selected due to their controversial infrageneric relationship. Electrode surface modification was excluded in this work to improve the convenience and accuracy of the fingerprint recording process. The dendrogram deduced from the electrochemical fingerprint data suggests that Ch. Zhejiangensis and Ch. grammatus are two groups of Ch. nitens, which may be only the ecotype of Ch. nitens, rather than independent taxonomic species. The small variations between the three species may be due to environmental factors and cannot be used for species formation. In addition, Ch. campanulatus and Ch. Praecox were clustered together with a close relationship.