Drivers of Plant Diversity and Biogeographic Processes in Drylands

Dear Colleagues,

Drylands worldwide constitute ecologically significant systems characterized by substantial plant biodiversity. Despite their seemingly sparse vegetation cover, arid and semi-arid ecosystems exhibit high levels of functional diversity and elevated rates of endemism. Intense competition for limiting resources, particularly water and nutrients, promotes morphological and physiological differentiation among plant species. Furthermore, microhabitat heterogeneity, coupled with strong resource limitation, drives speciation processes and contributes to increased taxonomic diversity.

This Special Issue explores the processes shaping contemporary dryland diversity and their evolutionary origins. We invite contributions investigating plant speciation, biodiversity patterns, and the biogeographical history of arid and semi-arid regions across both temperate and warm climates. We welcome a broad range of topics, including phylogenetic, plant systematics, and ecology, as well as chromosomal, morphological, and anatomical studies. Furthermore, research examining the synergies between plant diversity and anthropogenic drivers—such as desertification, deforestation, land management, and climate change—is particularly encouraged.

Dr. Morales Matías
Dr. María Silvia Ferrucci
Guest Editors

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