Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Conservation Units of Castanopsis sclerophylla (Fagaceae)

Castanopsis sclerophylla (Lindl.) Schott. is a canopy tree species of evergreen broad-leaved forests in subtropical China. In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure C. were investigated by using chloroplast DNA sequences nuclear microsatellite markers. Permutation tests with indicated presence phylogeographic sclerophylla. Based on markers, Bayesian clustering analysis revealed eastern-to-western differentiation sclerophylla, molecular variance suggested divergence has arisen along Xuefeng, Luoxiao, Wuyi mountain ranges. The approximate computation demonstrated that pattern could be explained geographic isolation followed secondary contact. Ecological niche modelling showed distribution shrank southward at Last Glacial Maximum expanded northward Mid Holocene. These results uplift ranges interglacial–glacial climate change shaped Luoxiao range should considered as key conservation unit due to its higher level diversity. Our study supplies important information for prioritizing sustainable utilization provides insight dynamics