floral-evolution
Floral evolution is the study of how flower structures, functions, and diversity have changed over time through natural selection and adaptation. Understanding floral evolution is central to plant science because flowers drive reproduction, pollinator relationships, and speciation, revealing how plants have diversified into the vast array of flowering species we see today.
open_in_new WikipediaEurope PMC · 2026-03-27
Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of Madhuca hainanensis, a rare endangered tree from China, uncovering the genetic roots of its low fruit production and distinctive flowers. The findings provide a molecular roadmap for conservation efforts aimed at preventing this vulnerable species from extinction.
The genome of Madhuca hainanensis was assembled at chromosome level: 760.86 Mb organized across 12 pseudochromosomes using cutting-edge PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing.
Six key genes — including ADO1 and COL5 — were identified as drivers of floral divergence between the endangered Madhuca species and their faster-reproducing relative.
Both Madhuca hainanensis and Madhuca pasquieri are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and show notably lower fruit set compared to the common, fast-growing Madhuca longifolia.
