The origin and dispersal of Firmiana danxiaensis among isolated specific landscapes

Research reveals that Firmiana danxiaensis, a tree species endemic to China's Danxia and Karst landscapes, originated from Mount Danxia and the Nanxiong Basin before dispersing to nearby Karst sites and returning to its origin. This cyclical pattern, supported by plastid genome analysis and RAD-seq data, suggests limited seed and pollen dispersal capabilities, contributing to strong population structure within these isolated landscapes. Ecological niche modeling indicates that the species once thrived across southeastern China during the last glacial period but retreated to cliffs due to rising temperatures and competition. Declining effective population size postglacial hints at the impact of global warming, agriculture, and industrialization on its survival, underscoring the need for conservation measures.

Chen, S.-F., Zhao, W.-Y., Huang, Y.-S., Meng, K.-K., Huang, K.-Y., Hou, R.-F., Luo, X.-Y., Chen, Z.-X., Li, Y.-Q., Zhou, R.-C., Liao, W.-B., & Fan, Q. (2023). The origin and dispersal of Firmiana danxiaensis among isolated specific landscapes. Journal of Systematics and Evolution, 62(1), 102–119. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jse.12954