Genetic and morphological evidence support the specific status of the endemic Ericaandevalensis (Ericales, Ericaceae).

ABSTRACT: Assessing the taxonomic status of closely related taxa is crucial in plant systematics and can have important implications for conservation and human plant use. Ericaandevalensis Cabezudo & Rivera is a metallophyte endemic species from highly metal-polluted soils of SW Iberian Peninsula, an area with a mining history going back more than 5,000 years. Ericaandevalensis is closely related to Ericamackayana Bab., a northern Iberian species also present in western Ireland. The status of E.andevalensis as a species or subspecies subordinated to E.mackayana is subject to debate. Here, we assessed the genetic and phenotypic relationship between both species, including the population structure of E.andevalensis. We used high throughput sequencing to determ

SUBMITTER: Rodriguez-Bujan I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11245639 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature