Regional climate oscillations and local topography shape genetic polymorphisms and distribution of the giant columnar cactus Echinopsis terscheckii in drylands of the tropical Andes

Aim

We sought to determine if the present fragmentary distribution of the giant columnar cactus Echinopsis terscheckii in tropical drylands is a relict of a previously more widespread range during cold and dry phases of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).

Location

Tropical and subtropical dry ecotonal areas of northern and central Andes of Argentina.

Methods

We combined ecological niche models (ENM) with molecular polymorphisms of isozymes and DNA sequences. We collected samples from 30 individuals at 24 locations for genetic analysis covering a wide range of environmental conditions. We sequenced the nuclear ITS and three non‐coding regions of the chloroplast DNA and we resolved 15 isozyme loci. Potential distribution was modelled using 88 E. terscheckii presence training records and a reduced set of 10 modern bioclimatic variables. LGM and the Mid‐Holocene distributions were derived by projecting bioclimatic data under present to past environmental conditions according to CCSM4 and MIROC‐ESM Global Climate Models.

Results

We detected high isozyme diversity towards the south. The multivariate cluster analysis yielded two groups of populations that were geographically concordant with the DNA haplotypes located north and south of a divide at 27°S. Distribution models show range expansion during the LGM in two north and south areas separated by a gap of low suitability at 27°S. Suitable areas in the south were close to current populations, while in the north, populations survived in more disjunct locations that probably suffered from founder effects. In contrast, Mid‐Holocene bioclimatic conditions were relatively unsuitable in the south.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that the divergence of north and south groups of E. terscheckii populations reflect long‐lasting persistence through climatic cycles that were reinforced by the presence of an orogenic divide at mid‐latitudes. Latitudinally divergent groups of populations should be treated as distinct evolutionary significant units that deserve independent conservation actions. Increased genetic diversity and inbreeding towards the south may guide setting up priorities for the long‐term protection of a dominant element of drylands as E. terscheckii.