(Image Credit: Jidong Ya)

Cover Story:

Elaeagnaceae comprise three genera (Elaeagnus, Hippophae and Shepherdia) and ca. 100 species distributed mainly in North Hemisphere. Little family-wide phylogenetic and biogeographic research has been conducted, limiting the application and preservation of the natural genetic resources. Here, Gu et al. reconstruct a most comprehensive phylogenetic framework for Elaeagnaceae, offering new insights into intrageneric relationships, and the biogeographical history of the family. This work provides a foundation for further studies on classification, evolution and conservation of Elaeagnaceae. The cover shows a branchlet with fruits of Elaeagnus bambusetorum, a critically endangered species from Mengzi, Yunnan, China.