Determinants of richness patterns differ between rare and common species: implications for Gesneriaceae conservation in China

Aim Whether richness patterns and determinants are consistent between common and rare species remains controversial, and the answer is fundamental for the conservation of species in vulnerable habitats. Although effects of climate and geological history on species richness have been widely explored, their relative contribution among common and rare species is poorly understood. Here, using a valuable ornamental plant family Gesneriaceae, we evaluated how contemporary climate, habitat heterogeneity and long-term climate change affect the distribution of rare and common species. Additionally, we identified hotspots of Gesneriaceae diversity and evaluated its protection gap in China.