A tale of migrations from east to west: the Irano‐Turanian floristic region as a source of Mediterranean xerophytes

Aim The Irano‐Turanian ( IT ) floristic region is characterized by high levels of endemicity. Despite its potential role as a cradle of xerophytic taxa for neighbouring areas, its biogeographical history remains poorly studied. H aplophyllum , a diagnostic element of the IT region, was used as a model to discriminate between alternative biogeographical scenarios for the evolution of the region and, more specifically, to investigate whether it...