Phylogeographic patterns match the floristic subdivisions: The diversification history of a widespread herb in subtropical China.

The inherent characteristics of understory herbs with limited dispersal and short generation time intensify the genetic divergence response of O. auricula to abiotic forces, contributing to the profound phylogeographic imprints of mountains and climate in such herbaceous flora. To further substantiate the generality of the identified patterns, it is paramount to extend phylogeographic investigations to other understory herbaceous taxa in subtropical China. These results have expanded our understanding of the diversification processes of subtropical forests in China.