High mountain origin, phylogenetics, evolution, and niche conservatism of arctic lineages in the hemiparasitic genus Pedicularis (Orobanchaceae).

Highlights: [•] The first study of arctic species of Pedicularis in a molecular phylogenetic context. [•] Arctic Pedicularis evolved 12–14 times independently. [•] Most arctic Pedicularis have high mountain origin. [•] The arctic taxa show considerable niche conservatism with respect to soil moisture. [•] Morphological traits of arctic Pedicularis show a non-uniform pattern of evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]