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Chen T, Xiang T, Zheng Q, Kuang X, Kong Q, Zhou J, Wang H, Zhou L, Feng S, Yuan M, Yang H, Ding C. Deciphering the evolutionary imprints of Camellia oleifera Abel.: delineating its distinct phylogeographic structure and demographic history through microsatellite and plastid fragment. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2025; 25:526. [PMID: 40275177 PMCID: PMC12023482 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-025-06570-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2025] [Indexed: 04/26/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating the population structure and demographic history is crucial for elucidating the evolutionary imprints of a species and laying a foundation for effective utilization of its germplasm. Camellia oleifera Abel., a traditional woody oil-producing species, is widely distributed in south of the Yangtze River in China. However, the phylogeography and genetic diversity of wild population remain poorly understood. RESULTS Data for 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments was generated to assess the genetic variation and differentiation across 33 natural populations. The integrated Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) and ecological niche modeling (ENM) were utilized to analyze the demographic and evolutionary history. The analysis revealed high genetic diversity at the species level and significant genetic variation within populations for both SSR and cpDNA datasets. The genetic evidence based on cpDNA indicated no noteworthy genetic divergence and phylogeographical structure. Haplotype phylogenetic analyses suggest that the temporal pattern of species diversification is likely associated with the abrupt uplift of Hengduan Mountains and adjacent regions (HMR) during the late Miocene to late Pliocene. In contrast, the genetic structure in SSR data revealed a discernible geographic pattern: 33 populations were divided into two lineage regions, namely HMR and Central-East China. The identification of two potential refugia for C. oleifera during the LGM, namely the HMR and southeastern China, was achieved through a comprehensive analysis combining ENM and population structure analysis. CONCLUSIONS The presence of distinct genetic patterns observed in cpDNA and SSR makers may account for the divergent hereditary characteristics between the nuclear and chloroplast genomes, resulting in disparate phylogeographic patterns. The Nanling mountain range was regarded as a dispersal conduit that facilitated effective gene flow between the two refugia, leading to the extensive distribution and stable evolutionary trajectory of C. oleifera. These methods and findings can provide a reference for uncovering the demographic history of perennial woody oil crops and facilitate the utilization of wild C. oleifera genetic resources for the genetic breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China
| | - Tingting Xiang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China
| | - Qian Zheng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China
| | - Xuekun Kuang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China
| | - Qingbo Kong
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China
| | - Jiasi Zhou
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China
| | - Heng Wang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China
| | - Lijun Zhou
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China
| | - Shiling Feng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China
| | - Ming Yuan
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China
| | - Hongyu Yang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China
| | - Chunbang Ding
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625014, China.
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Sun Z, Yang L, Kong H, Kang M, Wang J. Phylogeographical patterns match the floristic subdivisions: the diversification history of a widespread herb in subtropical China. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 134:1263-1276. [PMID: 39230182 PMCID: PMC11688537 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcae157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Subtropical China is dominated by evergreen broad-leaved forests (EBLFs) and is acknowledged as a critical region for its high floristic richness and endemism. Our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms of such global biodiversity hotspots comes almost exclusively from long-lived tree species. Herbaceous plants represent critical biodiversity components in forests, but the diversification history of understorey herbs in subtropical EBLFs remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the phylogeographical patterns and demographic history of Oreocharis auricula, a widespread perennial herb endemic to the EBLFs of subtropical China. METHODS Both chloroplast DNA sequences and single-copy nuclear genes were used to investigate the genetic variation among 657 individuals from 68 populations. Evidence from molecular dating, demographic history construction and species distribution modelling was also combined to infer the phylogeography and evolutionary history of O. auricula. KEY RESULTS Strong phylogeographical signals have been congruently observed using nuclear and plastid DNA markers, with the diversification patterns generally consistent with the recognized floristic subdivisions of subtropical China. Notably, we revealed an important phylogeographical barrier along the Nanling mountain range, which is also around a climatic transition at 24-26°N latitude in subtropical China, separating the south monsoon subtropical EBLFs from the mid-subtropical EBLFs. Demographic expansion and significant niche divergence were detected among the extant lineages, which may have diverged during the early Pleistocene. CONCLUSIONS The inherent characteristics of understorey herbs with limited dispersal and short generation time intensify the genetic divergence response of O. auricula to abiotic forces, contributing to the profound phylogeographical imprints of mountains and climate in such herbaceous flora. To further substantiate the generality of the identified patterns, it is paramount to extend phylogeographical investigations to other understorey herbaceous taxa in subtropical China. These results have expanded our understanding of the diversification processes of subtropical forests in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixia Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- College of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming 365004, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of the Development and Utilization of Bamboo Resources, Sanming University, Sanming 365004, Fujian, China
| | - Lihua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Hanghui Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Diversity and Specialty Crops, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Plant Conservation and Utilization in Southern China, Guangzhou 510650, China
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Li J, Li X, Zhang C, Zhou Q, Chen S. Phylogeographic analysis reveals extensive genetic variation of native grass Elymus nutans (Poaceae) on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1349641. [PMID: 38529066 PMCID: PMC10961384 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1349641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Elymus nutans holds ecological and pastoral significance due to its adaptability and nutritional value, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is a key hub for its genetic diversity. To conserve and harness its genetic resources in highland ecosystems, a thorough assessment is vital. However, a comprehensive phylogeographic exploration of E. nutans is lacking. The objective of this study was to unravel the genetic diversity, adaptation, and phylogenetics of E. nutans populations. Methods Encompassing 361 individuals across 35 populations, the species' genetic landscape and dynamic responses to diverse environments were decoded by using four chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences and nine microsatellite markers derived from the transcriptome. Results and discussion This study unveiled a notable degree of genetic diversity in E. nutans populations at nuclear (I = 0.46, He = 0.32) and plastid DNA levels (Hd = 0.805, π = 0.67). Analysis via AMOVA highlighted genetic variation predominantly within populations. Despite limited isolation by distance (IBD), the Mekong-Salween Divide (MSD) emerged as a significant factor influencing genetic differentiation and conserving diversity. Furthermore, correlations were established between external environmental factors and effective alleles of three EST-SSRs (EN5, EN57 and EN80), potentially linked to glutathione S-transferases T1 or hypothetical proteins, affecting adaptation. This study deepens the understanding of the intricate relationship between genetic diversity, adaptation, and environmental factors within E. nutans populations on the QTP. The findings shed light on the species' evolutionary responses to diverse ecological conditions and contribute to a broader comprehension of plant adaptation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinda Li
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changbing Zhang
- Institute of Grass Plants, Sichuan Academy of Grassland Science, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingping Zhou
- Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiyong Chen
- Sichuan Zoige Alpine Wetland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
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Zhang X, Guo R, Shen R, Landis JB, Jiang Q, Liu F, Wang H, Yao X. The genomic and epigenetic footprint of local adaptation to variable climates in kiwifruit. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhad031. [PMID: 37799629 PMCID: PMC10548413 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
A full understanding of adaptive genetic variation at the genomic level will help address questions of how organisms adapt to diverse climates. Actinidia eriantha is a shade-tolerant species, widely distributed in the southern tropical region of China, occurring in spatially heterogeneous environments. In the present study we combined population genomic, epigenomic, and environmental association analyses to infer population genetic structure and positive selection across a climatic gradient, and to assess genomic offset to climatic change for A. eriantha. The population structure is strongly shaped by geography and influenced by restricted gene flow resulting from isolation by distance due to habitat fragmentation. In total, we identified 102 outlier loci and annotated 455 candidate genes associated with the genomic basis of climate adaptation, which were enriched in functional categories related to development processes and stress response; both temperature and precipitation are important factors driving adaptive variation. In addition to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a total of 27 single-methylation variants (SMVs) had significant correlation with at least one of four climatic variables and 16 SMVs were located in or adjacent to genes, several of which were predicted to be involved in plant response to abiotic or biotic stress. Gradient forest analysis indicated that the central/east populations were predicted to be at higher risk of future population maladaptation under climate change. Our results demonstrate that local climate factors impose strong selection pressures and lead to local adaptation. Such information adds to our understanding of adaptive mechanisms to variable climates revealed by both population genome and epigenome analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rui Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruinan Shen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jacob B Landis
- School of Integrative Plant Science, Section of Plant Biology and the L.H. Bailey Hortorium, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- BTI Computational Biology Center, Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Quan Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Hengchang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaohong Yao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Plant Germplasm Enhancement and Specialty Agriculture, Wuhan Botanical Garden, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
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Yu X, Wei P, Chen Z, Li X, Zhang W, Yang Y, Liu C, Zhao S, Li X, Liu X. Comparative analysis of the organelle genomes of three Rhodiola species provide insights into their structural dynamics and sequence divergences. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:156. [PMID: 36944988 PMCID: PMC10031898 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04159-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant organelle genomes are a valuable resource for evolutionary biology research, yet their genome architectures, evolutionary patterns and environmental adaptations are poorly understood in many lineages. Rhodiola species is a type of flora mainly distributed in highland habitats, with high medicinal value. Here, we assembled the organelle genomes of three Rhodiola species (R. wallichiana, R. crenulata and R. sacra) collected from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau (QTP), and compared their genome structure, gene content, structural rearrangements, sequence transfer and sequence evolution rates. RESULTS The results demonstrated the contrasting evolutionary pattern between plastomes and mitogenomes in three Rhodiola species, with the former possessing more conserved genome structure but faster evolutionary rates of sequence, while the latter exhibiting structural diversity but slower rates of sequence evolution. Some lineage-specific features were observed in Rhodiola mitogenomes, including chromosome fission, gene loss and structural rearrangement. Repeat element analysis shows that the repeats occurring between the two chromosomes may mediate the formation of multichromosomal structure in the mitogenomes of Rhodiola, and this multichromosomal structure may have recently formed. The identification of homologous sequences between plastomes and mitogenomes reveals several unidirectional protein-coding gene transfer events from chloroplasts to mitochondria. Moreover, we found that their organelle genomes contained multiple fragments of nuclear transposable elements (TEs) and exhibited different preferences for TEs insertion type. Genome-wide scans of positive selection identified one gene matR from the mitogenome. Since the matR is crucial for plant growth and development, as well as for respiration and stress responses, our findings suggest that matR may participate in the adaptive response of Rhodiola species to environmental stress of QTP. CONCLUSION The study analyzed the organelle genomes of three Rhodiola species and demonstrated the contrasting evolutionary pattern between plastomes and mitogenomes. Signals of positive selection were detected in the matR gene of Rhodiola mitogenomes, suggesting the potential role of this gene in Rhodiola adaptation to QTP. Together, the study is expected to enrich the genomic resources and provide valuable insights into the structural dynamics and sequence divergences of Rhodiola species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Laboratory of Plant Systematics and Evolutionary Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Pei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Laboratory of Plant Systematics and Evolutionary Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Zhuyifu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Laboratory of Plant Systematics and Evolutionary Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Xinzhong Li
- Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Biological Resources and Adaptive Evolution, Research Center for Ecology, School of Sciences, Tibet University, Lhasa, Tibet, 850000, China
| | - Wencai Zhang
- Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Biological Resources and Adaptive Evolution, Research Center for Ecology, School of Sciences, Tibet University, Lhasa, Tibet, 850000, China
| | - Yujiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Laboratory of Plant Systematics and Evolutionary Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Chenlai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Laboratory of Plant Systematics and Evolutionary Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Shuqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Laboratory of Plant Systematics and Evolutionary Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Biology Experimental Teaching Center, School of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China.
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, Laboratory of Plant Systematics and Evolutionary Biology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei, China.
- Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Biological Resources and Adaptive Evolution, Research Center for Ecology, School of Sciences, Tibet University, Lhasa, Tibet, 850000, China.
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Luo D, Song MS, Xu B, Zhang Y, Zhang JW, Ma XG, Hao XJ, Sun H. A clue to the evolutionary history of modern East Asian flora: insights from phylogeography and diterpenoid alkaloid distribution pattern of the Spiraea japonica complex. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2023; 184:107772. [PMID: 36977458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Each subkingdom of East Asian flora (EAF) has a unique evolutionary history, but which has rarely been described based on phylogeographic studies of EAF species. The Spiraea japonica L. complex, which is widespread in East Asia (EA), has received considerable attention because of the presence of diterpenoid alkaloids (DAs). It provides a proxy for understanding the genetic diversity and DA distribution patterns of species under various environmental conditions associated with the geological background in EA. In the present study, the plastome and chloroplast/nuclear DNA of 71 populations belonging to the S. japonica complex and its congeners were sequenced, combined with DA identification, environmental analyses, and ecological niche modelling, to investigate their phylogenetic relationships, genetic and DAs distribution patterns, biogeography, and demographic dynamics. An "ampliative" S. japonica complex was put forward, comprising all species of Sect. Calospira Ser. Japonicae, of which three evolutionary units carrying their respective unique types of DAs were identified and associated with the regionalization of EAF (referring to the Hengduan Mountains, central China, and east China). Moreover, a transition belt in central China with its biogeographic significance was revealed by genetic and DA distribution patterns from the perspective of ecological adaptation. The origin and onset differentiation of the "ampliative" S. japonica complex was estimated in the early Miocene (22.01/19.44 Ma). The formation of Japanese populations (6.75 Ma) was facilitated by the land bridge, which subsequently had a fairly stable demographic history. The populations in east China have undergone a founder effect after the Last Glacial Maximum, which may have been promoted by the expansion potential of polyploidization. Overall, the in-situ origin and diversification of the "ampliative" S. japonica complex since the early Miocene is a vertical section of the formation and development of modern EAF and was shaped by the geological history of each subkingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Luo
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Min-Shu Song
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Bo Xu
- College of Forestry, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Jian-Wen Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xiang-Guang Ma
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xiao-Jiang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming 650201, China.
| | - Hang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 132 Lanhei Road, Kunming 650201, China.
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