Ceratozamia Brongn. is one of the species-rich genera of Cycadales comprising 38 species that are mainly distributed in Mexico, with a few species reported from neighboring regions. Phylogenetic relationships within the genus need detailed investigation based on extensive datasets and reliable systematic approaches. Therefore, we used 30 of the known 38 species to reconstruct the phylogeny based on transcriptome data of 3954 single-copy nuclear genes (SCGs) via coalescent and concatenated approaches and three comparative datasets (nt/nt12/aa). Based on all these methods, Ceratozamia is divided into six phylogenetic subclades within three major clades. There were a few discrepancies regarding phylogenetic position of some species within these subclades. Using these phylogenetic trees, biogeographic history and morphological diversity of the genus are explored. Ceratozamia originated from ancestors in southern Mexico since the mid-Miocene. There is a distinct distribution pattern of species through the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB), that act as a barrier for the species dispersal at TMVB and its southern and northern part. Limited dispersal events occurred during the late Miocene, and maximum diversification happened during the Pliocene epoch. Our study provides a new insight into phylogenetic relationships, the origin and dispersal routes, and morphological diversity of the genus Ceratozamia. We also explain how past climatic changes affected the diversification of this Mesoamerica-native genus.
Keywords: Ceratozamia; Cycadales; Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB); single copy nuclear genes; transcriptomics.