Population‐Specific Chemotypes in <i>Pseudomisopates rivas‐martinezii</i> (Sanchez Mata) Güemes From La Serrota and Gredos Massifs (Iberian Central Range)

Pseudomisopates rivas-martinezii (Sánchez Mata) Güemes (Plantaginaceae) is a critically endangered endemic species from the Iberian Central Range. This study characterizes population-specific chemotypes in aerial and underground tissues from La Serrota and Gredos populations using elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Elemental analysis revealed interpopulation differences in aerial nitrogen content (1.0% vs. 1.9%). FTIR showed interpopulation and tissue-specific variations. GC-MS characterization revealed convergent composition of underground parts dominated by histidine-derived metabolites, but significant divergence in aerial profiles reflecting differential aromatic amino acid metabolism from the shikimic acid pathway. La Serrota aerial tissues were characterized by phenolic derivatives (phenylalanine/tyrosine products), while Gredos specimens exhibited predominance of nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds (tryptophan catabolism products). These findings suggest differential selective pressures acting on organs and populations, with implications for conservation strategies and taxonomic understanding of this monospecific genus.