recent molecular studies show that the genera "douglasia" (found in north-western north america and easternmost siberia), "pomatosace" (an himalayan endemic) and "vitaliana" (a european endemic) are nested within "androsace". phylogenetic studies have also demonstrated that the ancestor of "androsace" first appeared about 35 mya ago and was most probably an annual species. evolution towards the denser morphology of cushions took place two times independently in asia and in europe.