Data from: Phylogenomic and ecological systematics of Melocactus (Cactaceae)

Melocactus (L.) Link & Otto (Cactaceae) is a widely distributed
genus in the Neotropical region and has fascinated the botanical community
since the 15th century due to its unique appearance. Even though
this genus has been studied for centuries, its diversification,
phylogenetic relationships, and species delimitation have not been
evaluated using comprehensive taxon sampling and genetic data.
Here, we inferred maximum likelihood and coalescent phylogenies
using the Cactaceae591 genomic dataset and investigated
potential environmental variables associated with Melocactus
diversification. Ancestral character reconstructions were
performed using edaphic and climatic data. A well-resolved
Melocactus phylogeny was estimated, allowing the redefinition of
informal infrageneric groups and the taxonomic rearrangement of
some taxa. The ancestral character reconstructions suggest that
the observed species relationships and distribution patterns in
Melocactus result from the interplay of climatic and edaphic
factors, highlighting a complex evolutionary history for the genus.