Spatial decoupling of taxon richness, phylogenetic diversity and threat status in the megagenus Erica (Ericaceae).

ABSTRACT: Estimates of the number of vascular plant species currently under threat of extinction are shockingly high, with the highest extinction rates reported for narrow-range, woody plants, especially in biodiversity hotspots with Mediterranean and tropical climates. The large genus Erica is a prime example, as a large proportion of its 851 species, all shrubs or small trees, are endemic to the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa. Almost two hundred are known to be threatened and a further hundred are 'Data Deficient'. We need to target conservation efforts and research to fill the most problematic knowledge gaps. This can be especially challenging in large genera, such as Erica, with numerous threatened species that are closely related. One approach involves combining knowl

SUBMITTER: Pirie MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11255470 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature