Reconstruction of the evolutionary biogeography reveals the origins of Alpinia Roxb. (Zingiberaceae): A case of “out-of-Asia” migration to the Southern Hemisphere

Alpinia is considered the largest genus of Zingiberaceae with ca. 250 species occurring in tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands. The historical biogeography was conducted to explain where originated how it migrated other regions. phylogeny, divergence times ancestral area reconstruction were performed by using molecular data based on comprehensive taxon sampling. Our results provide an objective approach understand Alpinia. Asia during Late Cretaceous 69 Ma started diverge after K-Pg boundary early Paleocene presence development rainforest a warm, moist climate. Malesia then dispersed Australasia. analyses supported diversification Malesia. Additionally, Indian has likely common ancestor Renealmia Aframomum, possible that originating from India Africa period collision between subcontinent Eurasia form Alpinia, Renealmia, Aframomum. phylogeny provides framework for studies biogeography, comparative ecology, evolution.