# Spatial Phylogenetics Reveals Endemism Hotspots and Conservation Priorities in Chinese Asteraceae

## TL;DR

This study uses phylogenetic methods to identify biodiversity and endemism hotspots in Chinese Asteraceae, highlighting key areas for conservation.

## Contribution

The first nationwide spatial phylogenetic assessment of Chinese Asteraceae, identifying conservation priorities.

## Key findings

- High biodiversity and endemism were found in the Tianshan–Altai Mountains, Hengduan Mountains, and Taiwan.
- Complex topography and climatic stability in these regions preserve unique evolutionary lineages.
- A spatial phylogenetic dataset for Chinese Asteraceae was established to support future conservation and research.

## Abstract

The Asteraceae is recognized as the largest family of dicotyledonous plants globally. Despite being the most species‐rich plant family in China, a nationwide biodiversity assessment integrating phylogenetic approaches remains lacking—hindering the identification of conservation priority areas from an evolutionary perspective. Using six chloroplast markers (matK, ndhF, rbcL, rps16, psbA‐trnH, and trnG) and the nuclear ribosomal ITS region, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Chinese Asteraceae. Combining spatial distribution data of 1092 Asteraceae species in China (representing 7 subfamilies, 22 tribes, and 215 genera), we mapped the distribution patterns of species richness, weighted endemism, phylogenetic diversity, and phylogenetic endemism. The results revealed exceptionally high biodiversity, phylogenetic diversity, and endemism in the Tianshan–Altai Mountains of northwestern China, the southwestern region (particularly the Hengduan Mountains), and the island of Taiwan. These areas are characterized by complex topography and/or climatic stability, preserving long independent evolutionary lineages that may harbor unique genetic and functional traits, thus demonstrating exceptional conservation value. This study provides the first preliminary evaluation of the biodiversity and spatial phylogenetics of Chinese Asteraceae using phylogenetic methods, identifying biodiversity and endemism hotspots deserving conservation priority. We also established an initial spatial phylogenetic dataset for Chinese Asteraceae, which will facilitate future research on biogeographic history, trait evolution, and the development of conservation strategies.

Based on the phylogenetic method and the spatial distribution data of 1092 Asteraceae plants in China, this study conducted a preliminary evaluation on the biodiversity and spatial phylogeny of Asteraceae plants in China for the first time and determined the biodiversity and endemic hotspots worthy of priority protection.