New insights on Lilium phylogeny based on a comparative phylogenomic study using complete plastome sequences

The genus Lilium L. is widely distributed in the cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and is one of the most valuable plant groups in the world. Regarding the classification of the genus Lilium, Comber’s sectional classification, based on the natural characteristics, has been primarily used to recognize species and circumscribe the sections within the genus. Although molecular phylogenetic approaches have been attempted using different markers to elucidate their phylogenetic relationships, there still are unresolved clades within the genus. In this study, we constructed the species tree for the genus using 28 Lilium species plastomes, including three currently determined species (L. candidum, L. formosanum, and L. leichtlinii var. maximowiczii). We also sought to verify Comber’s classification and to evaluate all loci for phylogenetic molecular markers. Based on the results, the genus was divided into two major lineages, group A and B, consisting of eastern Asia + Europe species and Hengduan Mountains + North America species, respectively. Sectional relationships revealed that the ancestor Martagon diverged from Sinomartagon species and that Pseudolirium and Leucolirion are polyphyletic. Out of all loci in that Lilium plastome, ycf1, trnF-ndhJ, and trnT-psbD regions are suggested as evaluated markers with high coincidence with the species tree. We also discussed the biogeographical diversification and long-distance dispersal event of the genus.