Genetic Diversity in Swallenia alexandrae (Poaceae, Chloridoideae), a Narrow Endemic From the Eureka Dunes (Inyo County, California)

Swallenia alexandrae, Eureka Valley dune grass (Poaceae, Chloridoideae), is a narrow endemic known only from three localities in the Eureka Valley and adjoining Saline Range in the northern portion of Death Valley National Park (Inyo County, California). This monotypic genus is listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and as rare by the California Department of Fish and Game. Genetic diversity within and among populations of S. alexandrae was studied with randomly amplified polymorphic DNA. A single polymorphic band was detected in approximately one quarter of all individuals sampled. This result indicates very low genetic diversity in S. alexandrae. There is no evidence of private alleles and very little partitioning of genetic diversity between populations. These results are discussed in relation to conservation concerns for S. alexandrae.