The biogeography and genetic relationships of Juniperus oxycedrus and related taxa from the Mediterranean and Macaronesian regions

17 p., 1 mapa, tablas, gráf.

Despite Juniperus spp. being an important component of Mediterranean arid and semi-arid ecosystems, there is a lack of complex studies on their biogeographical patterns. Using 16 morphological cone and seed traits and three nuclear microsatellite markers, we investigated the morphological and genetic variability of seven Mediterranean and Macaronesian Juniperus taxa (J. oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus, J. oxycedrus ssp. badia, J. brevifolia, J. cedrus, J. deltoides, J. macrocarpa and J. navicularis) to identify biogeographical trends and interspecific genetic relationships. The highest gene diversity was measured in J. oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus (HE = 0.716) and the lowest in J. brevifolia (HE = 0.441). The west Mediterranean was characterized by a higher level of genetic diversity than the east Mediterranean. A lack of significant genetic differences between European and African populations of J. oxycedrus suggests that the Strait of Gibraltar was not a significant barrier to gene flow, but has promoted some morphological differentiation. The genetic and morphological results strongly support the recognition of J. macrocarpa, J. navicularis and J. deltoides at the species rank, whereas J. oxycedrus ssp. badia should be included in J. oxycedrus.

This research was financially supported by the Polish Ministry of Sciences and Higher Education (Grant No.: NN303 1534 33) and Institute of Dendrology PAS.

Peer reviewed