Waves of range dynamics and gene flow characterize the biogeographic history of Litsea elongata, a dominant tree in East Asian evergreen broadleaved forests

This dataset supports a study of the biogeographic history of Litsea
elongata, a dominant and widespread tree species in East Asian evergreen
broadleaved forests. The dataset integrates genome-wide single-nucleotide
variant data, phylogenomic and population genomic analyses, gene-flow and
introgression analyses, divergence-time estimation, fossil-informed
biogeographic evidence, and leaf morphological measurements. These data
were used to identify geographically structured clades within L. elongata,
evaluate historical range expansion and contraction, investigate ancient
and ongoing gene flow among clades, and assess the potential hybrid origin
of one clade in the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains. The results indicate that
present-day patterns of genetic diversity in L. elongata have been shaped
by repeated waves of range dynamics and introgression. The dataset also
provides evidence that East Asian evergreen broadleaved forests may have
had more extensive historical connections across subtropical montane
regions than previously recognized. Together, these data provide a basis
for reanalyzing the evolutionary history, population structure, gene flow,
divergence history, and morphological variation of L. elongata across its
distribution range.