Genetic diversity of the endangered species Kirengeshoma palmata (Saxifragaceae) in China

Abstract In order to investigate the levels of genetic diversity of the endangered species Kirengeshoma palmata (Saxifragaceae), four extant populations were sampled and analyzed using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. We expected a low genetic diversity level, but our results revealed a high level of intraspecific genetic diversity, probably resulting from this species being in a refuge during the last glaciation (at population level: P  = 63.25%, A e  = 1.47, H E  = 0.26 and H O  = 0.37; at species level: P  = 79.00%, A  = 1.5538, H T  = 0.2586 and H sp  = 0.3104). A low level of genetic differentiation among populations was detected based on Nei's genetic diversity analysis (16.69%) and AMOVA (19.36%). Populations shared high levels of genetic identity. Insect pollination and seed dispersal by wind may have facilitated extensive gene flow and are likely responsible for this present structure of genetic variation.