Phylogeography of Lagochilus ilicifolius (Lamiaceae) in relation to Quaternary climatic oscillation and aridification in northern China

► Aridification played a significant role in geographic distribution and evolutionary history of L. Ilicifolius. ► Loess Plateau might be a migratory corridor for L. Ilicifolius. ► Desert provides an opportunity to shift genetic signature and evolutionary trajectory among organisms.