On the continuum of evolution: a putative new hybrid speciation event in Opuntia (Cactaceae) between a native and an introduced species in southern South America

• DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2021.1967510
• Publication Date: 2021-09-17T09:33:13Z
• Authors: Matias Köhler; Luis J. Oakley; Fabián Font; M. Laura Las Peñas; Lucas C. Majure
• Keywords: Polyploid; plant evolution; Lineage (genetic); Molecular Phylogenetics

Hybridization plays a fundamental role in plant evolution and diversification, promoting gene flow, morphological novelties, speciation. Here, we integrated fieldwork, collections-based research, observations, molecular systematics, cytogenetic data to investigate the identity of previously unidentified taxon Opuntia (the prickly pear cacti) observed north-east region Argentina, southern South America. Our analyses revealed cytonuclear phylogenetic discordance among nuclear plastid genomes, as well polyploid nature studied taxon. Combining our with suggest that hybridization events between native rioplatensis North American introduced species, O. ficus-indica, likely produced here described × cristalensis. is most widespread genus Cactaceae, many species have been worldwide for an array different purposes. report proposes putative first event lineage, which may shed light on more complex evolutionary scenarios, speciation within group, impacts introduction.