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The Levant in the E Mediterranean presents a region of remarkable species diversity due to the conjunction of four biogeographic provinces, a remarkable diversity of habitats and long human history in the area. However, little is known about the evolutionary history of plants in the Levant. Here, we analyse plastid DNA data for members of Veronica subg. Pentasepalae (Plantaginaceae) from the Levant and adjacent areas. The data support the recognition of V. orientalis, V. leiocarpa and V. polifolia as separate species. Flow cytometric analyses demonstrate the former two to be octoploid but V. polifolia as tetraploid. The Levantine lineage of V. orientalis is clearly distinct from more northern lineages of the species, as found in many animal species. However, no affinities to specific other taxa from Anatolia, whether of Mediterranean or Irano-Turanian origin, can be made at present.