Population subdivision and genetic diversity in two narrow endemics of Antirrhinum L.

Abstract

Genetic diversity and its partition within and among populations and families of two species of Antirrhinum L., A. charidemi Lange and A. valentinum F.Q., have been studied. Both species are narrow-range endemics, self-incompatible, ecologically specialized and form small isolated populations. Despite these similarities, the species differ markedly in the distribution of genetic diversity. In A. valentinum, 61.64% of the total variation was distributed among populations, whereas in A. charidemi it was only 8.55%. A. charidemi showed little population divergence (GST = 0.0542) relative to A. valentinum (GST = 0.4805). In neither species was within-population genetic diversity correlated with population size, nor were there significant correlations between genetic and geographical distances. These results are discussed in relation to differences in flowering time and habitat continuity. They suggest that caution should be taken when making generalizations about levels of genetic variation and patterns of plant reproduction, life history and geographical distribution.