Karyotyping and Distribution Patterns of Endemic Chinese Lilies: Insights Into Their Conservation Under Climate Change.

ABSTRACT: This study integrates cytogenetic and ecological analyses of two endemic Chinese alpine lilies, Lilium lophophorum (2n = 24) and L. nanum (2n = 48), to establish a foundational understanding of their chromosomal diversity and distribution patterns. We document substantial intraspecific karyotypic variation in diploid L. lophophorum, with preliminary associations to altitude, and provide the first chromosomal characterization of tetraploid L. nanum. Ecological niche modeling under future climate scenarios predicts upward range shifts for both species, with the tetraploid exhibiting greater potential for habitat expansion. The distribution patterns, combined with the dwarf phenotype of L. nanum, support the hypothesis that polyploidy may enhan

SUBMITTER: Gui T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12790874 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature