This study addresses the systematic position of Nepeta nepetoides within the family Lamiaceae. To clarify its phylogenetic placement, molecular analyses were performed using several markers representing different genomic compartments: four chloroplast DNA markers (ycf1, the spacers ycf1–rps15, trnL–trnF, and rpl32–trnL), two nuclear ribosomal DNA markers (ITS and ETS), and a low-copy nuclear gene (PPR-AT3G09060). These markers, commonly employed in phylogenetic investigations of vascular plants, are particularly informative for resolving relationships among closely related species and genera.
The results derived from the three datasets are fully congruent: the four analyzed populations of Nepeta nepetoides form a well-supported, distinct clade that is sister to other members of the subtribe Menthinae, rather than to those of the Nepetinae. Consequently, this species should no longer be retained within the genus Nepeta but must be transferred to the genus Pitardia.
Pitardia can be distinguished from Nepeta by several diagnostic morphological traits: the presence of two stamens and the absence of staminodes (four stamens in Nepeta), a calyx tube with 10 veins (typically 15 [13–17] in Nepeta), and a convex, entire median lobe of the lower corolla lip (usually crenate in Nepeta).
Pitardia nepetoides Batt. ex Pit. is hereby reinstated, its lectotype is designated, and Pitardia caerulescens Maire and Pitardia gracilis Andr. are treated as synonyms.Ref. Homrani Bakali A., Dirmenci T., Celep F. & Drew B.T., 2025 - Pitardia resurrected: A new member of subtribe Menthinae (Lamiaceae). Taxon, https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.70053
Posted by Jean-Paul Peltier.