Phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the genus Androsace (Primulaceae) based on plastomes and nuclear rDNA

Androsace (Primulaceae) is a morphologically diverse genus comprising approximately 120–170 annuals and perennials, many forming alpine cushions. It is predominantly distributed in high mountains, with diversity centers in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP), the Alps, and the Pyrenees. Previous phylogenetic studies based mainly on a few DNA markers suggested that several traditional sections are not monophyletic, underscoring the need for a comprehensive taxonomic revision based on broader sampling and more robust evidence. Here we reconstruct the phylogeny of Androsace using newly sequenced plastomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) from 43 accessions representing 32 species, complemented with public datasets to sample 73 species spanning all nine traditionally recognized sections and the former genus Pomatosace . Our analyses produced well‐supported phylogenies but revealed topological incongruence between plastid and nuclear datasets. At the sectional level, we confirm that A. sect. Androsace , sect. Aretia , and sect. Chamaejasme are paraphyletic or polyphyletic, consistent with earlier findings. Integrating our results with previous studies, we propose a revised infrageneric classification recognizing 10 sections: A. sect. Androsace , sect. Aretia , sect. Chamaejasme , sect. Elongatae sect. nov., sect. Filiformis , sect. Megista , sect. Mirabiles , sect. Orthocaulon , sect. Pomatosace comb. & stat. nov., and sect. Samuelia . This updated classification provides a more natural framework for future taxonomic and evolutionary studies on this highly diversified alpine genus.