# Comparative Chloroplast Genome Analyses Reveal a Fine-Scale Phylogenetic Framework and Cryptic Diversity in the Fagopyrum dibotrys Complex (Polygonaceae)

## TL;DR

This study uses chloroplast genomes to clarify the evolutionary relationships and hidden diversity within a high-altitude plant complex in China.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed chloroplast genomic framework and identifies key markers for species delimitation in the Fagopyrum dibotrys complex.

## Key findings

- Chloroplast genomes of Fagopyrum dibotrys complex are highly conserved with typical quadripartite structures.
- Phylogenetic analysis reveals three distinct clades driven by geographic isolation.
- Genomic variation hotspots and SSR patterns are identified as potential markers for species differentiation.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: The Fagopyrum dibotrys complex is a specialized high-altitude lineage in southwestern China with medicinal and breeding potential, but species delimitation remains unresolved. Methods: We sequenced 26 complete chloroplast genomes from the Hengduan Mountains to the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, analyzing genomic structures, variation patterns, and phylogenetic relationships. Results: All genomes exhibited typical quadripartite structures (152,213–160,302 bp), containing 133 genes (88 protein-coding, 8 rRNA, and 37 tRNA) with GC content of 37.9%. Collinearity analysis revealed highly conserved structures without structural rearrangements. Variations were concentrated in the large single-copy(LSC)/small single-copy(SSC) non-coding regions, with hotspots at ycf4–cemA and ndhF–rpl32. Codon usage showed an A/U bias, with leucine being most abundant and cysteine the least. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were predominantly mononucleotide repeats enriched in the LSC, while long repeats were mainly palindromic/forward. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenies consistently resolved three clades: Tibetan high-altitude specialists, limestone specialists, and a widespread Hengduan–Yunnan–Guizhou clade, with geographic clustering indicating isolation as the primary differentiation driver. Conclusions: This study refines the phylogenetic resolution of the F. dibotrys complex and identifies informative chloroplast markers, providing a genomic foundation for reliable species delimitation, evolutionary inference, and conservation management of this medicinal lineage.