Comparative Survey of Morphological Variations and Plastid Genome Sequencing Reveals Phylogenetic Divergence between Four Endemic Ilex Species

A comparative analysis of four endemic Ilex species on Mount Huangshan, China, reveals significant phylogenetic divergence that challenges traditional taxonomy. The study combines morphological surveys with plastid genome sequencing, uncovering variability in leaf traits and genome structure that correlates with geographic distribution rather than established classification systems. Plastid genomes of these species range from 157,601 to 157,857 base pairs, featuring conserved coding regions but divergent hotspots in inverted repeat/single-copy junctions. This divergence suggests evolutionary adaptations tied to their unique habitats on Mount Huangshan, providing new insights into the genetic diversity and conservation of medicinal Ilex species.

Su, T., Zhang, M., Shan, Z., Li, X., Zhou, B., Wu, H., & Han, M. (2020). Comparative Survey of Morphological Variations and Plastid Genome Sequencing Reveals Phylogenetic Divergence between Four Endemic Ilex Species. Forests, 11(9), 964. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11090964