Historical biogeography and comparative phylogeography of the Mexican genus <i>Bakerantha</i> (Bromeliaceae): insights into evolution and diversification

Abstract We studied the rupicolous and dioecious species of Bakerantha (Bromeliaceae) that grow as narrow endemics in central-eastern Mexico. aimed to describe spatio-temporal framework which its originated using a phylogeographic population genetics approach. carried out analyses on 29 populations five spp., plastid nuclear DNA sequences. The data were used analyse their diversity, genetic structure demography, carry molecular dating reconstruction ancestral area. Our revealed speciation began Late Pliocene, associated with vicariance resulting from rise Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, barrier isolated spp. north south, subsequent dispersal events Sierra Madre Oriental. Genetic suggest have achieved high degree differentiation variation, but most them lack intraspecific structure, even though remained stable over time due life history traits.