Phylogeny and Historical Biogeography of Paphiopedilum Pfitzer (Orchidaceae) Based on Nuclear and Plastid DNA

Abstract

The phylogeny and biogeography of the genus Paphiopedilum were evaluated by using phylogenetic trees derived from analysis of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, the plastid trnL intron, the trnL-F spacer, and the atpB-rbcL spacer. This genus was divided into three subgenera: Parvisepalum, Brachypetalum, and Paphiopedilum. Each of them is monophyletic with high bootstrap supports according to the highly resolved phylogenetic tree reconstructed by combined sequences. There are five sections within the subgenus Paphiopedilum, including Coryopedilum, Pardalopetalum, Cochlopetalum, Paphiopedilum, and Barbata. The subgenus Parvisepalum is phylogenetic basal, which suggesting that Parvisepalum is comprising more ancestral characters than other subgenera. The evolutionary trend of genus Paphiopedilum was deduced based on the maximum likelihood (ML) tree and Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis Sampling Trees (BEAST). Reconstruct Ancestral State in Phylogenies (RASP) analyses based on the combined sequence data. The biogeographic analysis indicates that Paphiopedilum species were firstly derived in Southern China and Southeast Asia, subsequently dispersed into the Southeast Asian archipelagoes. The subgenera Paphiopedilum was likely derived after these historical dispersals and vicariance events. Our research reveals the relevance of the differentiation of Paphiopedilum in Southeast Asia and geological history. Moreover, the biogeographic analysis explains that the significant evolutionary hotspots of these orchids in the Sundaland and Wallacea might be attributed to repeated migration and isolation events between the southeastern Asia mainland and the Sunda Super Islands.

The chloroplast genome evolution of Venus slipper (Paphiopedilum): IR expansion, SSC contraction, and highly rearranged SSC regions

“…Additionally, there are still unresolved phylogenetic questions in Paphiopedilum . For instance, previous chloroplast markers cannot solve the deep phylogenetic relationship [ 14 – 16 ]. Resolving relationships in Paphiopedilum will promote the study of speciation of the genus.…”

Species Phylogeny versus Gene Trees: A Case Study of an Incongruent Data Matrix Based on Paphiopedilum Pfitz. (Orchidaceae)

“…Sea levels declined during the Serravallian Stage (at 13.8 Ma, 12.8 Ma, 11 Ma), and during the late Miocene (the earliest Tortonian), it was at −90 m [ 20 ]. Guo et al [ 16 ] and Tsai et al [ 28 ] proved that sea-level fluctuations had an impact on the evolution of Paphiopedilum . Both authors [ 16 , 28 ] indicate that in situ speciation within islands accelerated species divergence in the subgenus Paphiopedilum .…”

“…Guo et al [ 16 ] and Tsai et al [ 28 ] proved that sea-level fluctuations had an impact on the evolution of Paphiopedilum . Both authors [ 16 , 28 ] indicate that in situ speciation within islands accelerated species divergence in the subgenus Paphiopedilum . This rapid radiation can also be supported by the unresolved tree topologies (polytomy) of the markers that originate from one parental lineage ( ACO , DEF4, and individual plastid markers).…”

Geographical Distribution and Relationship with Environmental Factors of Paphiopedilum Subgenus Brachypetalum Hallier (Orchidaceae) Taxa in Southwest China

“…Due to habitat destruction and over-collection, the wild populations are at risk of extinction [19]. Recent studies have supported the division of the genus Paphiopedilum into three subgenera, Brachypetalum, Paphiopedilum, and Parvisepalum [20,21]. In addition, the subgenus Brachypetalum is the most primitive, ornamental, and threatened group of Paphiopedilum.…”