Morphological and morphometrical analysis of Heterodera spp. populations in Jordan

Phenotypic diversity of five Jordanian populations of cyst nematodes, Heterodera spp. collected from five regions from Jordan (Ar-Ramtha, Madaba, Dana, Al-Karak, and Jerash) was investigated. Soil samples were collected from one representative field in each region. Morphological and morphometrical characteristics revealed that Heterodera latipons is dominated in cereal fields at Ar-Ramtha, Madaba, Dana and Al-Karak regions and Heterodera schachtii in Jerash. Cysts populations from all cereal fields had bifenestrate vulval cone and a strong underbridge. Wherever, cysts of the cabbage population had ambifenestrate vulval cone with long vulval slit. The bullae were absent in Ar-Ramtha, Madaba and Dana populations, but present in Al-Karak and Jerash. Based on 12 morphometrical characters, the first three functions in canonical discriminant analysis accounted 99.3% of the total variation. Distance from dorsal gland duct opening to stylet base, underbridge length, a = L/W (body length/midbody width) and length of hyaline tail tip had strong and significant contributions in the first function. While the second function was strongly influenced by length of hyaline tail, fenestral length, fenestral width and tail length. However, the third canonical discriminate function was found to be influenced by stylet length, fenestral length, a = L/W (body length/midbody width) and underbridge width. The graphical representation of the distribution of the samples showed that the first canonical discriminant function clearly separated H. schachtii from Jerash from other populations. Whereas, H. latipons collected from Madaba and Dana were clearly separated in the second function. The results indicated that differences at morphological and morphometrical levels revealed diverse populations of Heterodera spp. in Jordan.     

Genetic variation of Sherardia arvensis L. – How land use and fragmentation affect an arable weed

The distribution of arable weeds extends over regions, where the species occur naturally in different kinds of habitats and regions, where they are mainly limited to arable fields.Here, we present a comparative study on the genetic structure of the arable weed Sherardia arvensis L. comprising populations from Mediterranean grasslands in Southern France and populations from arable fields in Germany. Enhanced by intensified land use since the 1960th, overall population density in Germany is very low compared to the density of populations in Southern France. We tested whether genetic variation within and among populations differ between France and Germany due to different patterns of distribution and land use. Therefore, we analysed 231 individuals of S. arvensis from 24 populations using AFLPs. Based on fragment analysis data we compared spatial genetic structure and genetic variation of populations from the two regions.Genetic variation within populations from the two regions (Shannon Index = 0.13 for both) and genetic variation among populations (26.8% and 30.0% in an analysis of molecular variance) were comparable. In both regions a drift-migration model supported the assumption of gene flow between populations. However, a clear correlation of geographical and genetic distances could only be reported for the indigenous populations from France (r = 0.46; P = 0.02), whereas in Germany a spatial genetic relationship between populations was missing (r = 0.16; P = 0.21).Our study revealed that neither French nor German populations are genetically impoverished. For French populations further the spatial genetic structure suggests that there is current gene flow between populations through pollinators and seed dispersal by cattle. For German populations comparable levels of genetic diversity and gene flow were detected, but gene flow was random. This can be traced back in all likelihood to diffuse dispersal by agriculture and the mechanical reshuffling of the individuals from the soil seed bank.     

High genetic diversity but limited gene flow among remnant and fragmented natural populations of Liriodendron chinense Sarg

As a relic species, Liriodendron chinense is now recognized as an endangered species. To better understand the genetic structure and differentiation among remnant populations of L. chinense, we determined the genotypes of 14 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) loci across 318 individuals from 12 natural populations and 750 seedlings from five offspring populations. We found that L. chinense maintained high genetic diversity (H_e = 0.7385) within populations but moderate genetic differentiation (F_st = 0.1956) and low gene flow (N_m = 1.0283) between populations. The genetic diversity was slightly lower for offspring populations than for their corresponding natural populations. Moreover, using a two-phased model of mutation (TPM), we demonstrated that significant bottlenecks had occurred in six populations. A Mantel test revealed a statistically significant correlation between the geographic distances and genetic distances between populations (r = 0.5011, P = 0.002). Hence, we presume that geographical isolation and habitat fragmentation might contribute jointly to current population structure of L. chinense. We suggest that populations from southern Yunnan can be regarded as a variety of L. chinense, given their large deviation from other populations. Our findings may be of value for the conservation and use of L. chinense.     

Genetic diversity of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Ypsilandra thibetica (Melanthiaceae): Applications for conservation

Twelve microsatellite markers were developed to determine the genetic diversity and genetic structure of Ypsilandra thibetica, represented by a total of 90 individuals from six natural populations. All twelve microsatellite loci were polymorphic, and the results indicated that a high genetic diversity was present within populations (mean R_S = 4.996; mean H_E = 0.615), with high levels of genetic structure (mean F_ST = 0.165; mean F_IS = 0.692) among populations. This pattern is likely attributable to consanguineous mating, and this hypothesis is supported by a low relatedness coefficient. Our study suggested that environment factors might restrict gene flow among populations. In addition, physical distances between populations were not related to genetic distances, implying that ancestral populations might have been distributed over a wider area. These results suggest that Y. thibetica should be a high priority for conservation managers.     

Tree species diversity and community composition in a human-dominated tropical forest of Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot,India

The structure, function, and ecosystem services of tropical forest depend on its species richness, diversity, dominance, and the patterns of changes in the assemblages of tree populations over time. Long-term data from permanent vegetation plots have yielded a wealth of data on the species diversity and dynamics of tree populations, but such studies have only rarely been undertaken in tropical forest landscapes that support large human populations. Thus, anthropogenic drivers and their impacts on species diversity and community structure of tropical forests are not well understood. Here we present data on species diversity, community composition, and regeneration status of tropical forests in a human-dominated landscape in the Western Ghats of southern India. Enumeration of 40 plots (50 m × 20 m) results a total of 106 species of trees, 76 species of saplings and 79 species of seedlings. Detrended Correspondence Analysis ordination of the tree populations yielded five dominant groups, along disturbance and altitudinal gradients on the first and second axes respectively. Abundant species of the area such as Albizia amara, Nothopegia racemosa and Pleiospermum alatum had relatively few individuals in recruiting size classes. Our data indicate probable replacement of rare, localized, and old-growth ‘specialists’ by disturbance-adapted generalists, if the degradation is continuing at the present scale.     

Genetic variability and differentiation among the populations of Dice snake,Natrix tessellata (Sepentes,Colubridae) in the Iranian Plateau

The Dice snake, Natrix tessellate, is one of the widely distributed but poorly studied reptiles of the Iranian plateau. Here, we sequenced a partial fragment of Cyt b for 14 samples of Natrix tessellata from Iran. The data were added to the previously published data from GenBank. The phylogenetic analyses indicated that the Iranian populations of N. tessellata are well divided into two major clades. The north, eastern and NE populations of Dice snake in Iran in an association with the Central Asian populations constitute the first clade which is in turn a sister clade to the European populations. The other clade that is placed in the base of the whole Dice snake clade, is formed by the southern and western Iranian populations. These are separated from the first group with high bootstrap and posterior probability values. Position of the western and southern Iranian populations in the phylogenetic tree and its close relation to the N. natrix samples, included in the analyses, imply that the group is most ancient among all populations of Dice snake in the Palearctic region with a long history in the area.     

Conservation genetics of Leucadendron argenteum (Silvertree) — A flag ship species of the Cape Peninsula

The Silvertree (Leucadendron argenteum (L.) R.Br.) is an iconic tree to South Africans and tourists alike. This endangered species is endemic to the Cape Peninsula, the most southwestern part of Africa. Despite its visual presence, no population genetic data of L. argenteum are currently available, but such information is crucial for effective conservation management. A historical question is whether the inland populations are natural or planted? This study aimed to reveal the genetic structure and possible differences of L. argenteum populations on the Cape Peninsula and inland at Helderberg, Paarl Mountain and Simonsberg. It was expected that inland populations would exhibit reduced genetic variation due to their isolation from each other and the main Cape Peninsula gene pool. Furthermore, genetic differences between populations were expected to be higher at inland populations because they are further apart from each other, relative to the Peninsula populations. Plant leaf material was collected and AFLP was used to assess the genetic variation. In general, low genetic variation was present within all populations (mean Nei's gene diversity 0.11 ± 0.01) and no significant differences between Peninsula and inland populations were found. Minor differences in molecular variances were found between Peninsula and inland populations (PhiPt = 0.11), being double between Peninsula populations (PhiPt = 0.08) than between inland populations (PhiPt = 0.04). This supports a possible anthropogenic origin of inland populations. Although the genetic variation of populations is very similar, they should not be managed as a single gene pool. Inland populations are more similar to each other compared to the Peninsula ones and therefore might be managed as one genetic entity. In contrast, Peninsula populations show a higher degree of differentiation and should be managed to maintain genetic integrity by minimizing further cross planting.     

Genetic diversity and structure of Pinus dabeshanensis revealed by expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers

Assessing patterns of genetic variation in rare endangered species is critical for developing both in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. Pinus dabeshanensis Cheng et Law is an endangered species endemic to the Dabieshan Mountains of eastern China. To obtain fundamental information of genetic diversity, population history, effective population size, and gene flow in this species, we explored patterns of genetic variation of natural populations, in addition to an ex situ conserved population, using expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeats (EST-SSR) markers. Our results revealed moderate levels of genetic diversity (e.g., H_E = 0.458 vs. H_E = 0.423) and a low level of genetic differentiation (F_ST = 0.028) among natural and conserved populations relative to other conifers. Both contemporary and historical migration rates among populations were high. Bayesian coalescent-based analyses suggested that 3 populations underwent reductions in population size ca. 10,000 yr ago, and that two populations may have experienced recent genetic bottlenecks under the TPM. Bayesian clustering revealed that individuals from the ex situ population were largely assigned to the ‘red’ cluster. Additionally, our results identified private alleles in the natural populations but not in the ex situ population, suggesting that the ex situ conserved population insufficiently represents the genetic diversity present in the species. Past decline in population size is likely to be due to Holocene climate change. Based on the genetic information obtained for P. dabeshanensis, we propose some suggestions for the conservation and efficient management of this endangered species.     

Population genetic structure and germplasm conservation of Stipa purpurea on Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau under grazing

At what intensity the grazing should be practiced on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in China is always confusing farmers, scientists and policy makers for a long time owing to its geographical exception. In order to develop a strategy for sustainable grazing management, we used the dominant Stipa purpurea as a model species to detect genetic diversity and fine spatial structure under different grazing intensities. Intra-population neutral genetic diversity in non-grazed population was significantly higher than three grazed populations; however, the highest value among grazed populations appeared in the moderately grazed population. A relatively low degree of genetic differentiation among populations by AMOVA analysis and a high level of gene flow existed among populations (Gst = 0.2649, Nm = 1.3875 〉 1). The genetic ‘patch’ size increased from 4 m to 16 m and subpopulation number within the S. purpurea populations ranged from 7 to 5 with increasing grazing intensity, therefore grazing will be beneficial to reduce the fragmentation and to increase the population-level adaptation. Though enclosure or no grazing is the best protection of plant germplasm like wind-pollination S. purpurea, moderate grazing is better strategy for grassland use on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.     

Genetic diversity of SSR markers in wild populations of Tapiscia sinensis,an endangered tree species

Tapiscia sinensis is a Tertiary relict and endangered tree species with unique scientific research value and great economic value. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity of five wild T. sinensis populations from different geographical regions using 10 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Our results reveal that the natural populations of T. sinensis have rich genetic diversity (PPL = 100%, He = 0.6904, I = 1.4368), with Shannon's index indicating that the T. sinensis populations are at a relatively stable stage. Of the genetic relationships among populations, the distance between the Hunan Yanling (YL) and Guizhou Xifeng (XF) populations is the smallest (0.4829); the genetic distance between the Shaanxi Ningshan (NS) and the Guizhou Xifeng (XF) populations is the largest (0.9821). A Mantel test shows that there is no correlation among the populations between geographic distance and genetic distance. AMOVA suggest that 33.3% of the genetic variation arose among the populations, while 66.7% of the variation arose within them. The moderate gene flow among populations (Nm = 0.7274) is not sufficient to counteract genetic drift within the populations and result in significant differentiation (Fst = 0.2987). Our results will benefit the conservation and exploitation of T. sinensis and provide a theoretical basis for further study of the evolution and phylogeography of the species.     

Convergent evolution unites the population genetics of Protea-associated ophiostomatoid fungi

Knoxdaviesia and Sporothrix species occupy the flower heads of some Protea plants in southern Africa. Knoxdaviesia species display exceptional genetic diversity within the Core Cape Subregion (CCR) and are readily dispersed across large distances. This study aimed to determine whether overlapping ecologies have led to a similar population genetic structure in Sporothrix splendens. Two DNA sequence markers, β-tubulin and a microsatellite region, were amplified in 97 S. splendens strains from eight populations that span its host distribution. Genetic diversity was low in a geographically isolated population, but high elsewhere. CCR populations were closely related, showing isolation by distance with populations at the eastern edge of the sampling range. Like Knoxdaviesia species, long-distance dispersal of S. splendens spores is prevalent, although likely affected by patchy host populations. This study is the first to consider populations of a non-clinical Sporothrix species, providing insights into the population attributes of a naturally distributed species.     

Microsatellite diversity and population genetic structure of yellowcheek, Elopichthys bambusa (Cyprinidae) in the Yangtze River

Yellowcheek carp (Elopichthys bambusa) is the only species of genus Elopichthys. It is widely distributed in Chinese freshwaters but currently its populations have declined to threatening level. We examined the genetic diversity and population structure of E. bambusa in the Yangtze River basin. A total of nine polymorphic microsatellite markers were employed to study five populations occurring in middle and lower reaches of the river. The results revealed low-to-moderate genetic diversity. The number of alleles per locus varied between 3 and 8 with an average of 4.8. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.15 to a maximum of 1.00. Significant deviations (P < 0.01) from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed for all the tested locus-population combinations with clear heterozygosity deficits. AMOVA indicated that majority of the variance lies within populations (93.81%) than among the populations (7.05%). Pairwise F_ST and unbiased genetic distance pointed out significant differentiation among the samples from populations with different connections to the Yangtze River. In the UPGMA dendrogram, clustering pattern of populations indicated that most of the populations are reproductively isolated due to anthropogenic interventions. Clustering of PYL and DTL populations shows ongoing gene flow through the mainstream. The recent hydrological alterations and overfishing are major factors shaping the current genetic structure. These results can be helpful for effective management and sustainable conservation of E. bambusa populations.     

Low genetic diversity and significant structuring in the endangered Mentha cervina populations and its implications for conservation

Eighteen populations of the endangered aromatic and medicinal plant Mentha cervina (Lamiaceae) were sampled across its natural range, in the western half of the Iberian Peninsula, and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) markers were used to assess genetic diversity and population structure. M. cervina populations exhibited a relatively low genetic diversity (percentage of polymorphic loci PPB = 14.2–58.3%, Nei's genetic diversity H_e = 0.135–0.205, Shannon's information index I = 0.08 − 0.33). However, the genetic diversity at species level was relatively high (PPB = 98.3%; H_e = 0.325; I = 0.23). The results of the analysis of molecular variance indicated very structured populations, with 50% of the variance within populations, 44% among populations and 6% between regions defined by hydrographic basins, in line with the gene differentiation coefficient (G_ST = 0.532). A Mantel test did not find significant correlation between genetic and geographic distance matrices (r = 0.064), indicating that isolation by distance is not shaping the present genetic structure. The levels and patterns of genetic diversity in M. cervina populations were assumed to result largely from a combination of evolutionary history and its unique biological traits, such as breeding system, low capacity of dispersion, small effective size and habitat fragmentation. The high genetic differentiation among populations indicates the necessity of conserving the maximum possible number of populations. The results also provide information to select sites for ex situ conservation. Optimal harvesting strategies, cultivation and tissue culture should also be developed as soon as possible to guarantee sustainable use of the species under study.     

Four Tulasnella taxa associated with populations of the Australian evergreen terrestrial orchid Cryptostylis ovata

Of the more than 400 indigenous orchid species in Western Australia, Cryptostylis ovata is the only species that retains its leaves all year round. It exists as a terrestrial herb and occasionally as an epiphyte in forested areas. Like all terrestrial orchids, C. ovata plants associate with mycorrhizal fungi, but their identities have not previously been investigated. Fungi were isolated from pelotons in rhizomes collected from three southern and two northern populations of C. ovata on six occasions over two years. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences temporally and spatially revealed that all the fungal isolates were of Tulasnella species of four distinct groups. One Tulasnella group was present only in the three southern orchid populations, and it closely resembled T. prima isolates previously described from Chiloglottis sp. orchids from eastern Australia. Isolates collected from plants in the two northern populations were of three undescribed Tulasnella groups. Analysis of intra-group diversity using inter-simple sequence repeat markers revealed that plants were usually colonised by a single genotype of Tulasnella at each sampling period, and this genotype usually, but not always, persisted with the host plant over both years tested.     

Phytophthora palmivora from Sulawesi and Java Islands,Indonesia, reveals high genotypic diversity and lack of population structure

Phytophthora palmivora is the causal agent of cocoa black pod disease, one of the primary diseases of cocoa in Indonesia. A better understanding of P. palmivora population genetics is needed to aid the development of relevant disease management strategies. This study is the first population genetic study of P. palmivora in Indonesia using microsatellite markers based on the alleles genotyping method. The microsatellite markers were used to determine the genotype of 44 P. palmivora isolates from Sulawesi (24) and Java (20) islands. The total number of observed multilocus genotypes (MLG) from both populations was 34. The genotypic diversity of P. palmivora from Sulawesi (2.90; 16.0; 0.938) and Java (2.76; 14.3; 0.930) islands was high as seen from Shannon's diversity index (H), Stoddart and Taylor's Index (G), and Simpson's Index (λ) respectively. Evenness and Nei's unbiased gene diversity exhibited similarly high levels from both populations. The linkage disequilibrium test indicated that sexual recombination occurred in the Java population (P = 0.312). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and Bayesian clustering revealed five genetic clusters, and isolates from both islands were evenly distributed across the five gene clusters. All genetic diversity was from within individuals. P. palmivora from Sulawesi and Java showed a high genotypic diversity but a lack of genetic differentiation among populations (Fst = 0.006). Both populations formed one highly diverse group. Minimum spanning network analysis showed no particular grouping of MLGs, and shared MLGs from both populations indicated long-distance migration of P. palmivora facilitated by human activities.     

Genetic analysis of the populations of Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus from the Yellow Sea and East China Sea based on mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence

Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus was not only a commercial species but also a key link in the marine food chain in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. However, in recent years, E. japonicus experienced a deep recession caused by over fishing. Therefore, determination of population genetic structure is essential to underpin resource recovery and to aid delineating and monitoring populations for fishery management. In this study, sequence variation of a 402-bp fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene from ten populations of E. japonicus in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea was determined, detecting 73 haplotypes. Haplotype diversities and nucleotide diversities for the ten populations ranged from 0.4706 ± 0.1177 (D) to 0.9935 ± 0.210 (WH), and from 0.0014 ± 0.0013 (D) to 0.0090 ± 0.0053 (WH), respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed no significant differences at all hierarchical levels, and almost all F_ST values were non-significant, indicating no significant population genetic structure in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. Two indistinct clades with low support values were detected and the analysis of haplotype frequency distribution showed no significant geographic differences among populations. These results supported the null hypothesis that E. japonicus within the Yellow Sea and East China Sea constituted a panmictic mtDNA gene pool. Based on the present study, the existence of separate genetic stocks in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea were not detected. Strong dispersal capacity of planktonic larvae, and ocean current could be the reasons for genetic homogeneity in this species in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea.     

Can't bear the competition: Energetic losses from kleptoparasitism by a dominant scavenger may alter foraging behaviors of an apex predator

The interspecific interactions of apex predators are integral to the function of ecological communities, but most studies have focused on understanding their top down effects. Kleptoparasitism (the stealing of procured food) by dominant scavengers can have negative effects on populations and behaviors of apex predators. We captured 7 pumas (Puma concolor) and fitted them with GPS collars to investigate potential kill sites (n = 352), some of which we monitored with camera traps (n = 58). We analyzed whether observed kleptoparasitism by American black bears (Ursus americanus) affected puma energetics and foraging behavior. We found that black bears were the most frequent scavenger of puma kills (72.4%), and we documented bears scavenging puma kills during every month. The top model for bear detection of puma kills included prey size, temperature, and canopy cover, with bears more likely to scavenge from adult black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) carcasses in warmer temperatures and under dense canopy cover. When black bear scavenging occurred, pumas spent 22% less time at their kill and incurred energetic losses. In response, pumas shortened their inter-kill intervals by 1.3 days thus increasing their kill rates. Our results demonstrate how a dominant scavenger directly mediates the foraging behavior of an apex predator. These results suggest that community interactions do not necessarily start at the top in top-down systems, and the effects of predators on prey populations can only be understood within their respective ecological communities.     

Population genetic structure in the endemic cyprinid fish Microphysogobio alticorpus in Taiwan: Evidence for a new phylogeographical area

The Formosa Bank is a significant zoogeographical barrier for the freshwater fish in Southern Taiwan. Here, we present population genetic structure analyses on Microphysogobio alticorpus populations in Taiwan, and biogeographic pattern to infer the relationship between historic dispersal geological dynamics. A total of 24 haplotypes were genotyped for mitochondrial CR + cyt b region in 134 specimens collected from 9 populations. Relatively high levels of haplotype diversity (h = 0.896) and low levels of nucleotide diversity (π = 0.005) were detected in M. alticorpus. Two major phylogenetic haplotype groups, Clade N1+N2 and S, were revealed and estimated to diverge about 0.121 myr (million years) ago. Haplotype network and population genetic analyses indicated significant genetic structure (F_ST = 0.876), largely concordant with the geographical location of the populations. According to SAMOVA analysis, M. alticorpus populations were divided into five units that can be explained by episodes of dispersal and population expansion followed by population fragmentation and restricted gene flow. The results of the topological pattern and network suggested that the Kaoping River was the first habitat colonized by the ancestor of M. alticorpus, before the northward dispersal.     

Population level differences in thermal sensitivity of energy assimilation in terrestrial salamanders

Thermal adaptation predicts that thermal sensitivity of physiological traits should be optimized to thermal conditions most frequently experienced. Furthermore, thermodynamic constraints predict that species with higher thermal optima should have higher performance maxima and narrower performance breadths. We tested these predictions by examining the thermal sensitivity of energy assimilation between populations within two species of terrestrial-lungless salamanders, Plethodon albagula and P. montanus. Within P. albagula, we examined populations that were latitudinally separated by >450 km. Within P. montanus, we examined populations that were elevationally separated by >900 m. Thermal sensitivity of energy assimilation varied substantially between populations of P. albagula separated latitudinally, but did not vary between populations of P. montanus separated elevationally. Specifically, in P. albagula, the lower latitude population had a higher thermal optimum, higher maximal performance, and narrower performance breadth compared to the higher latitude population. Furthermore, across all individuals as thermal optima increased, performance maxima also increased, providing support for the theory that “hotter is better”.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of endangered endemic Paeonia jishanensis in China and conservation implications

Paeonia jishanensis, one of the most important ancestral species of cultivated tree peonies, is an endangered ornamental and medicinal plant endemic to China. A total of 236 individuals of P. jishanensis from 10 extant populations were analysed using 21 EST-SSR markers to assess their genetic diversity and population structure. Moderate genetic diversity levels (H_E = 0.340) and high genetic differentiation among populations (F_ST = 0.335) were revealed. Combining the results of STRUCTURE, PCoA and neighbour-joining analyses, the 10 populations were divided into four genetic groups that were significantly related to their geographical origins, which was further supported by hierarchical AMOVA showing the highest variation of 17.9% among groups. The Mantel test showed a significant positive correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance among populations (r = 0.873, P < 0.0001). The genetic structure of P. jishanensis may be due to limited gene flow hindered by vicariance and its breeding system: facultative vegetative reproduction. This study carries significant implications for the conservation and utilization of this endangered species.