Molecular phylogenetics of the species-rich genus Habenaria (Orchidaceae) in the New World based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequences

► Neotropical Habenaria are monophyletic. ► African species and the Neotropical clade formed a highly supported clade, which includes the type species of the genus. ► Results indicate an African origin for the Neotropical clade and suggest a recent radiation of the genus in the New World. ► All current Neotropical sections are non-monophyletic. ► Our results do not support an extensive generic fragmentation of Habenaria.