Conclusion
We found dominant genetic diversity and existence of phylogeographic
structure in Cerasus serrulata . The estimated divergence time and
expansion events further indicated that the distribution pattern and
center of C. serrulata was formed before LGM. Two geographical
lineage were inferred. One was confined to Qingling Mountain and Taihang
Mt. The other was from the Wuling Mt to Lu-Huang Mt, and then went
northeast to the coast of Asia, totally with two separate steps.
Taxonomic statements of several controversial related species were
reconsidered. C. xueluoensis was close to C. serrulata but
also exhibited differentiation at species level, which needs further
study. C. lannesiana is confirmed rather than C. serrulatavar. lannesiana . And finally a new variation, C. serrulatavar. huangangensis is identified.