Applying Target Capture Sequencing to Unravel the <i>Anthurium</i> Section <i>Pachyneurium</i> (Araceae), with Emphasis on Brazilian Species

<i>Anthurium</i> (Araceae) is one of the most species-rich Neotropical genera, yet its infrageneric classification remains unresolved. This study tests the monophyly of the morphologically defined <i>Anthurium</i> sect. <i>Pachyneurium</i> diagnosed by rosulate habit, involute prefoliation, and absence of a collective vein with a focus on Brazilian species. Using target capture sequencing (Angiosperms353 probe set), we generated a phylogenomic dataset for 35 <i>Anthurium</i> species (18 from sect. <i>Pachyneurium</i>) and conducted maximum likelihood and coalescent-based analyses. Our results demonstrate that sect. <i>Pachyneurium</i> is not monophyletic as traditionally circumscribed. Brazilian species previously assigned to the section are recovered in three geographically structured and strongly supported lineages: Amazonian, Atlantic Forest, and Caatinga/Cerrado. The Atlantic Forest lineage is unexpectedly resolved as sister to <i>A. coriaceum</i> (sect. <i>Urospadix</i>), revealing an evolutionary relationship not predicted by morphology. Divergence-time estimates place the origin of crown <i>Anthurium</i> in the Paleocene (~62 Ma), with diversification of the Brazilian lineages occurring during the Miocene (20-3 Ma), coinciding with major geoclimatic events in South America. Our findings indicate that key diagnostic morphological characters are homoplastic and provide a phylogenomic framework for revising the infrageneric classification of <i>Anthurium</i>. By identifying evolutionarily distinct lineages, this study also contributes to prioritizing conservation efforts in threatened Neotropical biomes.