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.