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<p>Taxonomic ambiguity, frequent hybridization, and limited resolution of species boundaries continue to constrain orchid conservation strategies. In this study, we employed population genomic analyses across nine taxa of <i>Platanthera</i> native to eastern North America to critically reassess species boundaries and evaluate spatial patterns of genetic structure. Utilizing 3RADseq-derived SNP datasets, we delineated species limits, identified cryptic hybridization, and resolved regional genetic differentiation within and among taxa in two focal species complexes: the orange-fringed complex (<i>Platanthera</i> sect. <i>Blephariglotti</i>s) and the purple-fringed complex (subgen. <i>Fimbriata</i>). Our findings revealed extensive hybridization and introgression in sympatric populations in the orange fringed complex with asymmetrical gene flow and geographically structured genetic signatures indicating historical and ongoing hybrid zones. In contrast, the range-restricted taxa <i>P. integrilabia</i> exhibited genetic homogeneity, suggesting limited gene flow and underscoring their conservation priority. Within the purple-fringed complex, the identified genomic clusters indicate a complex relationship between genotypes and morpho-types and a potential legacy from post-glacial recolonization, combined with ongoing hybridization. Our results challenge several current species definitions and emphasize the importance of integrating genomic data in defining Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs). These insights inform revised conservation priorities for eastern North American <i>Platanthera</i>, highlighting the need to protect both genetically distinct lineages and dynamic hybrid zones as reservoirs of evolutionary potential.</p>

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Conservation genomics of the fringed orchids (Platanthera) in the Eastern US – species boundaries and genetic structure across landscapes

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月19日

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  • Ida Hartvig,
  • Jason Ligon,
  • Maria Sophie Bünner,
  • Simone A. Evans,
  • Lauren Eserman,
  • Dennis F. Whigham,
  • Emily Coffey,
  • Melissa K. McCormick

摘要

Taxonomic ambiguity, frequent hybridization, and limited resolution of species boundaries continue to constrain orchid conservation strategies. In this study, we employed population genomic analyses across nine taxa of Platanthera native to eastern North America to critically reassess species boundaries and evaluate spatial patterns of genetic structure. Utilizing 3RADseq-derived SNP datasets, we delineated species limits, identified cryptic hybridization, and resolved regional genetic differentiation within and among taxa in two focal species complexes: the orange-fringed complex (Platanthera sect. Blephariglottis) and the purple-fringed complex (subgen. Fimbriata). Our findings revealed extensive hybridization and introgression in sympatric populations in the orange fringed complex with asymmetrical gene flow and geographically structured genetic signatures indicating historical and ongoing hybrid zones. In contrast, the range-restricted taxa P. integrilabia exhibited genetic homogeneity, suggesting limited gene flow and underscoring their conservation priority. Within the purple-fringed complex, the identified genomic clusters indicate a complex relationship between genotypes and morpho-types and a potential legacy from post-glacial recolonization, combined with ongoing hybridization. Our results challenge several current species definitions and emphasize the importance of integrating genomic data in defining Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs). These insights inform revised conservation priorities for eastern North American Platanthera, highlighting the need to protect both genetically distinct lineages and dynamic hybrid zones as reservoirs of evolutionary potential.