Chloroplast DNA diversity in Calluna vulgaris (heather) populations in Europe

Variation in the chloroplast genome of Calluna vulgaris (heather), the dominant species of northwest European heath communities, was analysed using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR–RFLPs) and microsatellites. No length polymorphisms were detected in the 100–200 base pair (bp) fragments amplified by the conserved microsatellite primers, and sequencing revealed that the repeat regions were interrupted relative to the corresponding sequence in Nicotiana tabacum. In contrast, PCR–RFLP analysis revealed high levels of haplotype diversity within populations (hS = 0.443, hT = 0.842), as well as substantial differentiation between populations (GST = 0.473). Diversity and differentiation were higher in southern Europe than in northern Europe. Interpreted in the light of data from allozyme studies and pollen core records, the results suggest that the main glacial refugia for C. vulgaris were located in southwest Europe, including northern Spain, the Pyrenees and the Massif Central region of France. There is also evidence for diffuse survival of the species at more northerly latitudes.