The genetic diversity of Asplenium viride (Aspleniaceae) fern colonizing heavy metal-polluted sites

Asplenium viride is a diploid species, belonging to the largest genus of cosmopolitan fern family Aspleniaceae and occurring on various types alkaline rocks. It known colonize sites with high concentrations heavy metals, exhibiting changes in frond morphology. A. can sometimes form new substrate-dependent ecotypes that be morphologically genetically different from parental populations. This study aimed evaluate morphological genetic diversity viride, test for potential correlation between variability metal concentration. Analysis specimens one metalliferous five non-metalliferous showed elevated metals roots plants. The were higher than aboveground organs, especially case Cd Pb, suggesting an excluder strategy these metals. Both non-metaliferous populated by plants similar ploidy levels. overall was low (HT = 0.25) concentrated populations (GST 0.62). obtained 2C DNA content ranged 8.67 pg/2C 8.69 pg/2C. STRUCTURE analysis revealed two groups among studied which did not correlate significantly supported AMOVA. suggests factors influencing are consequence intragametophytic selfing caused patchy habitats subsequent founder effects, resulting long-distance colonization single spores. species has polluted sites; however, it does seem distinct at those sites.