Tracing the origin of Gulf Coast <i>Phragmites</i> (Poaceae): A story of long‐distance dispersal and hybridization

Abstract

Long-distance dispersal and weak breeding barriers appear to be recurring phenomena, not only in the GC, but worldwide. We present data strongly suggesting that interspecific hybridization and introgression among different Phragmites species take place and appear to have contributed significantly to the diversification processes within the genus. Hence, the application of traditional species concepts within Phragmites might be inappropriate.