One plus one makes seven: Intricate phylogeographic patterns in <i>Odontites vernus</i> (Orobanchaceae: Rhinantheae) in the Iberian Peninsula

The Odontites vernus group is the most widespread of genus Odontites, occupying temperate regions Eurasia and northern Morocco. contains three species, all inhabiting Iberian Peninsula, where O. s.l. (sensu lato) exhibits remarkable morphological variability includes diploid tetraploid individuals corresponding to two subspecies that occur there. We collected 301 from 100 sampling sites covering entire distribution in Peninsula genotyped them using 12 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Their ploidy level was estimated by flow cytometry, cpDNA (rps16 intron trnK-rps16) were sequenced. found 129 diploids 172 tetraploids distributed following a mosaic parapatry model, while only mixed-ploidy populations discovered. 20 haplotypes fit well-defined haplogroups, some extent correlated with levels. frequencies SSR alleles shared both cytotypes, as well those private cytotype, indicate likely originated at least twice through autopolyploidy. Additionally, results markers structured higher number groups than did sequences. Thus, genetic distance analysis detected four groups, but Bayesian population structure identified seven, low levels gene among groups. distributions seven coincide well-known refugium areas within during climatic oscillations Quaternary. give additional support “refugia refugia” hypothesis.