A plea to DNA barcode type specimens: An example from Micropholis (Sapotaceae)

Identification of individuals in the absence of reproductive traits or in juvenile stages can be difficult. Incorrect identification will result in inaccurate biodiversity inventories that are an impediment to effective conservation management. Here, we present data in which we argue that the generation of DNA barcode reference libraries using DNA extracted from type specimens could resolve issues related to correct identification. The genus Micropholis (Sapotaceae) is diverse and ecologically important in Neotropical lowland rain forests. We first assessed the capacity of the molecular markers ITS2, matK and rbcL in differentiating species in the genus. Based on a phylogenetic reconstruction we found that many individuals in our study were incorrectly identified, and we argue that if we had access to a type specimen DNA barcode reference library we would have more rapidly and correctly identified individuals.