The Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot for ferns: Updated phylogeny, hidden diversity, and biogeography of the java fern genus Leptochilus (Polypodiaceae)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2024.08.005
• Publication Date: 2024-09-03T07:00:58Z
• Authors: Liang Zhang; Zhen-Long Liang; Xue-Ping Fan; Ngan Thi Lu; Xin-Mao Zhou; Hong-Jin Wei; Li-Bing Zhang
• Keywords: Biodiversity hotspot; Polypodiaceae; Endemism

The Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including that of vascular plants. However, the fern diversity and endemism in this hotspot have not been well understood so far, very few groups ferns region has explored using combined molecular morphological approaches. Here, we updated plastid phylogeny Java genus Leptochilus with 226 (115% increase latest sampling) samples across distribution range, specifically those three phylogenetically significant species, L. ovatus, pedunculatus, pothifolius. We also reconstructed first nuclear based on pgiC gene data. Based evidence, identified new major clades six subclades, redefined existing discovered a number cryptic species genus, elucidated evolution most variable characters. Our divergence time analyses ancestral area reconstruction showed originated Oligocene diversified from early Miocene 15 dispersal events lower to higher latitudes are identified. important characters analyzed context phylogeny. analysis 30 (59% total 51) occur hotspot, 24 (80% species) which endemic hotspot. argue should be recognized as ferns.