Aloe DNA Barcoding Tool. Allies of the aloes: An updated DNA barcoding tool for Aloe vera and CITES-restricted relatives

DNA barcoding has revolutionised the identification of illegally traded material of endangered species as it overcomes the lack of resolution encountered with morphological identification. Unfortunately, in some recently evolved and highly diverse plant groups, such as the relatives of Aloe vera, the lack of interspecific sequence variation obtained with standardised markers compromises its efficacy. Here we present a novel highly accurate DNA barcoding tool using 189 nuclear markers, optimised for aloes (Asphodelaceae, Alooideae). We built an extensive reference database from verified material covering >300 species and validated this for identification through phylogenomic inference with anonymised samples. Ten CITES-regulated plants seized at London Heathrow Airport were subsequently identified to species level providing an indication of the global (illegal) market. One of the identified targets is an already critically endangered species from Madagascar. Our tool offers a helping hand to the relevant authorities in the fight for survival of these valuable succulents.