The Evolutionary History, Diversity, and Ecology of Willows (<i>Salix</i> L.) in the European Alps
The genus <i>Salix</i> (willows), with 33 species, represents the most diverse genus of woody plants in the European Alps. Many species dominate subalpine and alpine types of vegetation. Despite a long history of research on willows, the evolutionary and ecological factors for this speci...
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MDPI AG
2021-03-01
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| Series: | Diversity |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/13/4/146 |
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| author | Natascha D. Wagner Li He Elvira Hörandl |
| author_facet | Natascha D. Wagner Li He Elvira Hörandl |
| author_sort | Natascha D. Wagner |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The genus <i>Salix</i> (willows), with 33 species, represents the most diverse genus of woody plants in the European Alps. Many species dominate subalpine and alpine types of vegetation. Despite a long history of research on willows, the evolutionary and ecological factors for this species richness are poorly known. Here we will review recent progress in research on phylogenetic relationships, evolution, ecology, and speciation in alpine willows. Phylogenomic reconstructions suggest multiple colonization of the Alps, probably from the late Miocene onward, and reject hypotheses of a single radiation. Relatives occur in the Arctic and in temperate Eurasia. Most species are widespread in the European mountain systems or in the European lowlands. Within the Alps, species differ ecologically according to different elevational zones and habitat preferences. Homoploid hybridization is a frequent process in willows and happens mostly after climatic fluctuations and secondary contact. Breakdown of the ecological crossing barriers of species is followed by introgressive hybridization. Polyploidy is an important speciation mechanism, as 40% of species are polyploid, including the four endemic species of the Alps. Phylogenomic data suggest an allopolyploid origin for all taxa analyzed so far. Further studies are needed to specifically analyze biogeographical history, character evolution, and genome evolution of polyploids. |
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| id | doaj.art-71a8f9cd550c4ad5a42b9c586ad98c57 |
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| issn | 1424-2818 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T12:46:31Z |
| publishDate | 2021-03-01 |
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| spelling | doaj.art-71a8f9cd550c4ad5a42b9c586ad98c572023-11-21T13:26:52ZengMDPI AGDiversity1424-28182021-03-0113414610.3390/d13040146The Evolutionary History, Diversity, and Ecology of Willows (<i>Salix</i> L.) in the European AlpsNatascha D. Wagner0Li He1Elvira Hörandl2Department of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with Herbarium), University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, GermanyCollege of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, ChinaDepartment of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants (with Herbarium), University of Goettingen, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, GermanyThe genus <i>Salix</i> (willows), with 33 species, represents the most diverse genus of woody plants in the European Alps. Many species dominate subalpine and alpine types of vegetation. Despite a long history of research on willows, the evolutionary and ecological factors for this species richness are poorly known. Here we will review recent progress in research on phylogenetic relationships, evolution, ecology, and speciation in alpine willows. Phylogenomic reconstructions suggest multiple colonization of the Alps, probably from the late Miocene onward, and reject hypotheses of a single radiation. Relatives occur in the Arctic and in temperate Eurasia. Most species are widespread in the European mountain systems or in the European lowlands. Within the Alps, species differ ecologically according to different elevational zones and habitat preferences. Homoploid hybridization is a frequent process in willows and happens mostly after climatic fluctuations and secondary contact. Breakdown of the ecological crossing barriers of species is followed by introgressive hybridization. Polyploidy is an important speciation mechanism, as 40% of species are polyploid, including the four endemic species of the Alps. Phylogenomic data suggest an allopolyploid origin for all taxa analyzed so far. Further studies are needed to specifically analyze biogeographical history, character evolution, and genome evolution of polyploids.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/13/4/146biogeographyelevationhybridizationphylogenomicspolyploidyRAD sequencing |
| spellingShingle | Natascha D. Wagner Li He Elvira Hörandl The Evolutionary History, Diversity, and Ecology of Willows (<i>Salix</i> L.) in the European Alps Diversity biogeography elevation hybridization phylogenomics polyploidy RAD sequencing |
| title | The Evolutionary History, Diversity, and Ecology of Willows (<i>Salix</i> L.) in the European Alps |
| title_full | The Evolutionary History, Diversity, and Ecology of Willows (<i>Salix</i> L.) in the European Alps |
| title_fullStr | The Evolutionary History, Diversity, and Ecology of Willows (<i>Salix</i> L.) in the European Alps |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Evolutionary History, Diversity, and Ecology of Willows (<i>Salix</i> L.) in the European Alps |
| title_short | The Evolutionary History, Diversity, and Ecology of Willows (<i>Salix</i> L.) in the European Alps |
| title_sort | evolutionary history diversity and ecology of willows i salix i l in the european alps |
| topic | biogeography elevation hybridization phylogenomics polyploidy RAD sequencing |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/13/4/146 |
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