Population divisions in the Primula cusickiana species complex

By analyzing RADseq data, this study examines the genomic differences between separated populations of members of the Primula cusickiana species complex, a group of rare plants native to the Great Basin. This work is motivated by past findings of population structure within a Threatened variety of P. cusickiana (var. maguirei), and by historic changes to the classification of P. cusickiana complex members. We find strong genomic distinctions between the isolated populations of this species complex, supporting the past classification of each complex member as its own unique species, and implying a cryptic speciation process within some varieties.