Cerasus conradinae is an important germplasm resource of wild cherry in
China. In this work, sampling was expanded and genetic evidence was
added for further study. The current and future potential populations
were predicted by niche model. Based on three cpDNA sequences and one
nrDNA sequence, and combined with the phylogeographic evolution of 12
populations of 244 individuals in C.conradinae, the temporal and spatial
patterns of genetic variation in C.conradinae were investigated, and the
effects of genetic drift and differentiation as well as natural
environmental factors on the genetic variation and evolutionary
distribution of C.conradinae were elucidated. Finally, morphological
evidence combined with molecular evidence was used to discuss the
species definition of population variation and differentiation. The
results showed that Central China, East China and Southwest China were
the core regions for the conservation and utilization of germplasm
resources of C.conradinae. Support for variant Cerasus conradinae var.
ruburm is established. The genetic diversity of C.conradinae was high
(Hd = 0.830; Rd = 0.798). There was genetic variation among populations
of C.conradinae, and genealogical geographic structure existed among the
populations and three geographical groups, but the genetic
differentiation coefficient at each level was low. The gene exchange was
obvious in Southwest China, and the differentiation was obvious in
Central China. The population and three geographic groups do not reject
the expectation of expansion model. Two distinct lineages (three
geographic groups) were identified from the population of C.conradinae:
Central China+ East China lineage and East China+ (Central
China+Southwest China) lineage, two lineages of 4.38Mya occurred in the
early Pliocene based on geographical isolation. The southeastern part of
Eastern China near Mount Wuyi was the most likely refuge for
C.conradinae. The results provided a theoretical basis for the
classification and identification of C.conradinae and the protection and
utilization of germplasm resources.