Asclepias Tonkawae - How Genetics Revealed Velvet-leaf Milkweed's Secret Twin

https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71942

Phylogenomics Reveals Deep Divergences and Cryptic Species Within a Rare Sand‐Dwelling Milkweed, Asclepias tomentosa Elliott

This research employs integrative taxonomy and phylogenomics to investigate the rare sand-dwelling milkweed, Asclepias tomentosa, finding significant genetic separation and previously undetected biodiversity. Through multiple genomic analyses, including phylogenies and population structure modeling, the study discovered deep divergences correlating with distinct geographic areas: Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas. Critically, the Texas populations were identified as a new, highly distinct species, now formally described as Asclepias tonkawae, which also exhibits unique floral morphology. This finding underscores the importance of accurate species delimitation for effective conservation efforts.