Resolution, conflict and rate shifts: insights from a densely sampled plastome phylogeny for Rhododendron (Ericaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Rhododendron is a species-rich and taxonomically challenging genus due to recent adaptive radiation and frequent hybridization. A well-resolved phylogenetic tree would help to understand the diverse history of Rhododendron in the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains where the genus is most diverse.

Methods

We reconstructed the phylogeny based on plastid genomes with broad taxon sampling, covering 161 species representing all eight subgenera and all 12 sections, including ~45 % of the Rhododendron species native to the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains. We compared this phylogeny with nuclear phylogenies to elucidate reticulate evolutionary events and clarify relationships at all levels within the genus. We also estimated the timing and diversification history of Rhodode

SUBMITTER: Mo ZQ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9670778 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature