Inter-island differentiation and contrasting patterns of diversity in the iconic Canary Island sub-alpine endemic <i>Echium wildpretii</i> (Boraginaceae)

The sub-alpine zones of oceanic islands are unique and dynamic ecosystems with high levels endemism, making them particularly suitable model systems in which to investigate evolutionary biogeographic processes. flora the Canary Islands is restricted Tenerife La Palma. Its origins poorly understood. Echium wildpretii Hook.f. an iconic species subalpine these two islands, distinct subspecies recognized on each island. This study examines patterns genetic morphological diversity E. evolution lineage. Nine microsatellite markers were designed used population structure gene flow within between populations. Morphological characters assessed test distinctiveness recognized. Strong differentiation was observed higher younger island Palma than Tenerife. Very low inter-island indicating that taxa reproductively isolated evolving independently. analysis confirmed plants from islands. Given their merit recognition as species. Higher consistent origin lineage this via upslope colonization, followed by dispersal where show lower diversity.