Conservation Genetics of the Rare and Endangered Tree Species, Camellia nitidissima (Theaceae), Inferred from Microsatellite DNA Data

Camellia nitidissima Chi, is a rare and endangered plant that narrowly distributed in South China North Vietnam. In this study, seven polymorphic microsatellite markers were used to investigate the genetic diversity, recent population bottlenecks as well structure of twelve remnant populations plant. Our results indicated that, despite their severely fragmented natural range, C. remnants maintained moderate level variability, only bottlenecked was detected by clear evidences. No significant correlation found between diversity size. Significantly high differences among found, could be classified into two distinct groups. AMOVA 16.14% (16.73%, after one suspected artificial excluded) molecular variation attributable regional divergences (between Nanning Fangcheng), majority existed within which 69.24% (70.63%, excluded). For conservation management plans, resources groups are equal importance for conservation, separate unit each them should considered. Given all small isolated, many plants illegally dug out commercial purposes, efforts terms habitat protection legal protection, transplantations reintroductions, would necessary species.