甘草属 (豆科：山羊豆族) 是一类具有广泛应用价值的多年生草本植物，其地理分布呈大范围的洲际间断模式，共13种左右，约一半种类在我国有分布。已有的甘草属分类系统差别很大，且以往对该属的分子系统学研究取样不足，致使甘草属内及其与近缘的假甘草属和曼里属的系统发育关系尚不清楚，该属特殊洲际间断分布的成因也亟待探明。本项目拟在以往分类学研究基础上，利用5个核基因片段与7个叶绿体基因片段，结合染色体证据，重建该属内及其与2个卫星属间的系统发育关系，明确三者的界定，揭示甘草属的起源、物种形成模式和迁移扩散历史。本项目将有助于进一步理解甘草属和山羊豆族其他类群的系统关系，并为甘草属资源的保护与利用提供理论依据。

Glycyrrhiza (Leguminosae: tribe Galegeae) is a perennial herbaceous genus with many uses, which is known as a worldwide inter-continental disjunct group. This genus includes ca. 13 species, with nearly half distributing in China. Previous taxonomic systems of Glycyrrhiza were highly distinct. Due to under-sampled molecular systematic studies on Glycyrrhiza, the infra- and inter-genetic phylogeny of this genus and its two allies, Glycyrrhizopsis and Meristotropis, remain unclear. Additionally, biogeographic study on Glycyrrhiza was rare. Based on existing taxonomic systems of Glycyrrhiza, this project plans to use five nrDNA and seven cpDNA regions, combining with evidence from chromosome number, to clarify the phylogeny and delimitation of Glycyrrhiza and its two allies, and to elucidate its origination, speciation and dispersal/vicariance process. This study will further explore the phylogenetic position of Glycyrrhiza within Galegeae, and lay foundations for its application and conservation.