Spatial Phylogenetics Reveals Endemism Hotspots and Conservation Priorities in Chinese Asteraceae

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.