The phylogeographical history of mid-altitude woodland herbs that depend on moist and shaded forest habitats is poorly understood. Here, we analysed the genetic structure of Cyclamen purpurascens, a mountainous calcicolous perennial, to test hypotheses regarding its glacial survival in single or multiple refugia and postglacial colonization routes, and to explore how they are congruent with the histories inferred for temperate trees and other mountainous herbs. We gathered AFLP data and chloroplast DNA sequences (trnD-trnT region) from 68 populations spanning the entire distribution range (the Jura Mountains, Alps, western Carpathians, Dinarides). Both genetic markers revealed two main phylogeographical groups (phylogroups) in C. purpurascens. Additionally, AFLP data detected a more detailed structure of five phylogroups: two widespread, showing east-west geographical separation, and three local ones, restricted to somewhat disjunct, marginal regions of the species range. We suggest that C. purpurascens survived the last glaciation in two main regions, the foothills of the Southern Limestone Alps and the Karst area of the north-western Dinarides, and possibly also in microrefugia in the Western Carpathians. The glacial persistence and colonization routes of this woodland herb are highly concordant with those inferred for several temperate trees, especially the European beech.

Incongruence reported between genotype and phenotype suggests that parental phenotypes are affected by introgression, and intermediate hybrid phenotypes can be genetically closer to one of the parents. Thus, it is evident that morphology, when used alone, can be misleading for interpreting hybridization, and critical evaluation of other data is needed.

The western Balkans, characterized by high rates of endemism, are recognized as one of the most diverse and species‐rich areas of Europe. The present study focuses on diploid speciation in a poorly explored ancestral group of the genus Cardamine that is distributed in the amphi‐Adriatic territory. Morphological data and DNA sequences (plastid trnL intron and trnL‐trnF spacer, ITS of nrDNA, and single‐copy nuclear gene CHS) were used to address taxonomic, phylogenetic and evolutionary questions. Recognition of several previously described, but recently not accepted narrow endemics is supported (C. fialae, C. rupestris, C. serbica). Cardamine maritima s.str. is segregated into three distinct entities, which were given species rank. A new taxonomic concept of the group is proposed, including identification key, synonymy, typifications, C. montenegrina sp. nov. and C. adriatica nom. nov. Chloroplast data indicate radiation of the ancestral lineage into a series of distinct endemic species; lack of resolution at internal nodes and incongruence with nuclear phylogenies suggest that this radiation occurred rapidly. Nuclear data indicate more recent hybridization events. It is assumed that glacial‐induced local‐scale and altitudinal migrations along the Balkan coastline and in adjacent massifs caused contacts between previously isolated populations, resulting in occasional interspecific gene‐flow. Trans‐Adriatic contacts and gene exchange are also suggested.

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The lichen genus Solenopsora occurs predominantly in temperate and subtropical regions of the world, and the centre of diversity and distribution is in the Mediterranean, Macaronesian, and Madrean floristic regions. Taxonomic treatment of several taxa has varied over time and the concepts lack clarity. Focusing on multilocus sequence data, morphology, anatomy, chemistry, and ecological preferences, the present study investigates European Solenopsora taxa to obtain the first insights into their genetic variation and relationships. Our results show discrepancy between the number of currently recognized taxa in Europe and the number of genetic entities identified. We recognize eight species in the genus in Europe: Solenopsora candicans, Solenopsora cesatii (including Solenopsora carpatica), Solenopsora grisea, Solenopsora holophaea, Solenopsora liparina, Solenopsora marina, Solenopsora olivacea, and Solenopsora vulturiensis. We gathered evidence to recognize S. liparina, an edaphic vicariant of S. candicans confined to ultramafic rocks, as a separate species. We disclosed a previously unknown sister relationship between S. grisea and S. vulturiensis. Taxonomic synopses, geographical distribution, and an identification key for the treated taxa are provided. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two major lineages among the European Solenopsora spp., differentiated by thallus organization, the presence/absence of rhizines on lower side of the thallus, secondary chemistry, and anatomy of upper cortex. The generic circumscription and phylogenetic position, however, appear problematic and additional studies with increased sampling including related genera are needed. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 176, 203–223.

Background and Aims Southwestern Asia is a significant centre of biodiversity and a cradle of diversification for many plant groups, especially xerophytic elements. In contrast, little is known about the evolution and diversification of hygrophytic flora. To fill this gap, we focus on Cardamine (Brassicaceae) species that grow in wetlands over a wide altitudinal range. We aimed to elucidate their evolution, assess the extent of presumed historical gene flow between species, and draw inferences about intraspecific structure. Methods We applied the phylogenomic Hyb-Seq approach, ecological niche analyses, and multivariate morphometrics to a total of 85 Cardamine populations from the target region of Anatolia-Caucasus, usually treated as four to six species, and supplemented them with close relatives from Europe. Key Results Five diploids are recognised in the focus area, three of which occur in regions adjacent to the Black and/or Caspian Seas (C. penzesii, C. tenera, C. lazica), one species widely distributed from the Caucasus to Lebanon and Iran (C. uliginosa), and one western Anatolian entity (provisionally as C. cf. uliginosa). Phylogenomic data suggest recent speciation during the Pleistocene, likely driven by both geographical separation (allopatry) and ecological divergence. With the exception of a single hybrid (allotetraploid) speciation event proven for C. wiedemanniana, an endemic of southern Turkey, no significant traces of past or present interspecific gene flow were observed. Genetic variation within the studied species is spatially structured, suggesting reduced gene flow due to geographical and ecological barriers, but also glacial survival in different refugia. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of the refugial regions of the Black and Caspian Seas for both harbouring and generating hygrophytic species diversity in SW Asia. It also supports the significance of evolutionary links between Anatolia and the Balkan Peninsula. Reticulation and polyploidisation played a minor evolutionary role here in contrast to the European relatives.

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