Data from: Congruent species delimitation of two controversial gold-thread nanmu tree species based on morphological and restriction site-associated DNA sequencing data

Species delimitation is fundamental to conservation and sustainable use of
economically important forest tree species. However, the delimitation of
two highly valued gold-thread nanmu species (Phoebe bournei and P.
zhennan) has been confusing and debated. To address this problem, we
integrated morphology and restriction site-associated DNA sequencing
(RADseq) to define their species boundaries. We obtained highly consistent
results from both data sets, supporting two distinct lineages
corresponding to P. bournei and P. zhennan. In Phoebe bournei, higher
order leaf venation is more prominent, petioles are thicker and leaf apex
angle is narrower, compared to P. zhennan. Both data sets also showed that
putative P. bournei localities from north-eastern Guizhou were P. zhennan.
The two species have different distributions and only overlap in the
Wuling Mountains. Phoebe bournei occurs mainly in Central Fujian, southern
Jiangxi, the Nanling Mountains and the Wuling Mountains, whereas P.
zhennan is found in the adjoining eastern regions of the Qionglai
Mountains, the Southern Sichuan Hills and the Wuling Mountains. The
improved delimitation of P. bournei and P. zhennan and clarification of
their ranges provide a better guidance for conservation and sustainable
utilization of these tree species.