Variation in vegetative morphology tracks the complex genetic diversification of the mycoheterotrophic species <i>Pyrola japonica</i> sensu lato

Abstract

Pyrola japonica s.l. has at least three separate genetic lineages that have different leaf morphologies. The genetic lineages and their coexistence could have led to the variable leaf size and suggest the possibility that gene flow from partial to full mycoheterotrophs could reverse the evolutionary transition to full mycoheterotrophy.