Integrated analyses reveal extensive cytonuclear discordance and two new members of Rhodiola

• DOI: 10.1111/jse.13149
• Publication Date: 2025-01-07T07:40:15Z
• Authors: Long Huang; Ya‐Peng Yang; Xiao‐Ying Liu; Lin‐Feng Qiu; Yue‐Yi Li; Zi‐Wei Ma; Shi‐Yu Wang; Xin‐Yue Wang; Jian‐Qiang Zhang
• Keywords: Rhodiola

Abstract Our knowledge of species diversity in biodiversity hotspots remains incomplete. The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) and the mountainous region southwestern China have long been regarded as hotspots. However, despite considerable efforts, numerous plant may still elude formal description. Rhodiola L. (Crassulaceae) encompasses ca . 58 perennial herb species, which used an important traditional medicinal for centuries. Rampant exploitation has put some at risk extinction. also recognized a promising model investigating radiation speciation QTP. phylogenetic relationships among major clades genus are not well resolved, underlying causes cytonuclear discordance briefly mentioned previous studies remain unexplored. Through phylogenomic analyses utilizing data from both nuclear genome plastome 42 we identified six found extensive discordance, was primarily attributed to hybridization introgression occurring or closely related species. In addition, integration morphological, phylogenomic, population genomic, ecological evidence resulted identification description new : R. renii sp. nov., reclassification previously Pseudosedum merged into results highlight significant role evolution probably other rapid‐radiated groups QTP, emphasize need increased discovery efforts such QTP its adjacent areas.