Population genetic structure of Monimopetalum chinense (Celastraceae), an endangered endemic species of eastern China

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Monimopetalum chinense (Celastraceae) standing for the monotypic genus is endemic to eastern China. Its conservation status is vulnerable as most populations are small and isolated. Monimopetalum chinense is capable of reproducing both sexually and asexually. The aim of this study was to understand the genetic structure of M. chinense and to suggest conservation strategies. METHODS: One hundred and ninety individuals from ten populations sampled from the entire distribution area of M. chinense were investigated by using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR). KEY RESULTS: A total of 110 different ISSR bands were generated using ten primers. Low levels of genetic variation were revealed both at the species level (I[subscript sp] = 0·183) and at the population level (I[subscript pop] = 0·083). High clonal diversity (D = 0·997) was found, and strong genetic differentiation among populations was detected (49·06 %). CONCLUSIONS: Small population size, possible inbreeding, limited gene flow due to short distances of seed dispersal, fragmentation of the once continuous range and subsequent genetic drift, may have contributed to shaping the population genetic structure of the species.