Global and Regional Patterns of Diversity and Endemism in the Megadiverse Genus Solanum (Solanaceae)
Abstract
Abstract—
The economically important genus
Solanum
, a major component of the Solanaceae family, is one of the largest genera of angiosperms, and includes three major crops (potato, tomato, and eggplant). Despite considerable ongoing taxonomic and phylogenetic
research, an updated phylogenetic analysis identifying the hotspots of diversity and endemism within the genus is greatly desired. In this study, we analyzed diversity and endemism of
Solanum
with a focus on patterns of phylogenetic endemism using Categorical Analysis of Neo- and Paleo-Endemism
(CANAPE). The results show that the main center of species and phylogenetic diversity and endemism is in the Neotropics, with secondary centers in Africa and Australia. We found high phylogenetic dissimilarity between Eastern and Western Hemisphere
Solanum
, supporting former studies
indicating occasional long-distance dispersal events from the Americas to the Eastern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, close relationships across the Eastern Hemisphere continents suggest more frequent exchanges. The Leptostemonum clade has been demonstrated as a dominant contributor to high diversity
in the Eastern Hemisphere, which was confirmed by our study. We used our results to provide an updated global distribution map of
Solanum
diversity and endemism as well as detailed regional perspectives. This comprehensive view enhances our understanding of the dispersal and diversification
of
Solanum
in tropical Asia and Australia, offering valuable insights…
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