Paramo plants spatial phylogenetics
The páramo ecoregion hosts remarkable biodiversity and evolutionary histories that are influenced by complex biogeographical processes. Understanding spatial patterns of phylogenetic diversity and endemism is required to effectively protect ecological diversity and evolutionary heritage in this biodiversity hotspot. In this study, we use spatial phylogenetic methods, combining georeferenced occurrence data and a genus-level phylogeny of the vascular flora to investigate the spatial distribution of phylogenetic diversity and endemism. A phylogeny was constructed with sequences from 1,443 genera of the paramo region's vascular plants, including publicly available genetic sequence data and novel genetic data from a Colombian herbarium collection. Spatial analyses  identified the centers of neo- and paleo-endemism across the páramo region, revealing distinct regions. The central Ecuadorian cordillera paramo had significantly greater phylogenetic diversity,  and a concentration of super-endemism. Several other regions, sparsely throughout the region, hosted  assemblages with low phylogenetic diversity. The phylogenetic beta cluster analysis grouped phylogenetically common plant communities and the regions. This study provides a scope to prioritize certain areas for protection and further identify and explain biogeographical patterns in the páramo ecoregion.