The genetic structure and demographic history of Zabelia tyaihyonii, endemic to Korean limestone karst forests, based on genome-wide SNP markers.

Similar to the global phenomenon, many plant species endemic to Korean limestone karst forests are at risk of extinction due to human intervention. Zabelia tyaihyonii is a familiar shrub, called "Hardy abelia" and "Fragrant abelia" growing in the karst forests of Korea, where it is one of the most threatened species. We investigated the genetic structure and demographic history of Z. tyaihyonii, which allow us to develop appropriate conservation and management strategies. The genetic structure was evaluated using a total of 187 samples from 14 populations, covering the entire distribution of Z. tyaihyonii in South Korea. We utilized 254 and 1753 SNP loci obtained via MIG-seq (Multiplexed ISSR Genotyping by sequencing) for structure and demographic analyses, respectively. The population demographic modeling was performed with site frequency spectrum. To gain further historical insights, we also employed ENM (Ecological Niche Modeling). We found two distinct clusters (CLI and CLII) of ancient origin (ca. 490 ka). Despite CLII experiencing a more severe bottleneck, both clusters showed similar levels of genetic diversity, indicating mutual historical gene flow. Their historical distribution range seems to have changed very little. We proposed a historical distribution scenario for Z. tyaihyonii, taking into account its intrinsic factors, and emphasized a more complex response to Quaternary climate change beyond simple allopatric speciation models. These findings provide valuable insights for conservation and management strategies for Z. tyaihyonii.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the medicinal plant, Dracocephalum rupestre (Lamiaceae).

Dracocephalum rupestre (tribe Mentheae; Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb from Korea and China with high ornamental and medicinal value. Here, we report its complete chloroplast genome to provide insight into the phylogenetic relationships of Dracocephalum. The genome is 151,230 bp long, with two inverted repeat regions (25,643 bp each) that separate a large single-copy region (82,536 bp) and a small single-copy region (17,408 bp). It contains 133 genes that encode 88 proteins, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs. The maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis strongly supported Dracocephalum monophyly, showing that the genus forms a sister group with the subtribe Menthinae in the tribe Mentheae.