5. Conclusions
Our study confirms the taxonomic and phylogenetic distinctiveness ofAndrosace cantabrica and emphasizes the utility of Angiosperms353
target capture data in resolving species-level conflicts within complex
plant groups. We demonstrated that A. cantabrica is a distinct
species requiring conservation action, counter to previous hypotheses
suggesting a close affiliation with A. adfinis subspecies. The
contrasting results between nuclear and plastid phylogenies highlight
the complex evolutionary history of A. cantabrica and related
taxa, underlining the need for integrated molecular approaches to
untangle rapid radiations and reticulate evolution. Future research
should further investigate the polyploid origin of A. cantabrica and monitor its genetic structure and diversity in the face of ongoing
climate change. Long-term conservation planning, including habitat
management, controlled translocations, and ex-situ conservation, will be
vital to prevent genetic erosion and habitat loss for this Vulnerable
alpine species.
The Angiosperms353 target capture approach proved effective for
population-level conservation genetics, even in a polyploid species likeA. cantabrica . Moreover, we advocate for the adoption of
Angiosperms353 in similar conservation genetics studies, given its
cost-effectiveness, sample efficiency, and the potential to incorporate
herbarium samples whilst enabling comparative studies between species
based on population genetic metrics calculated using the same set of
molecular markers.