Low Genetic Diversity in the Rare Madeiran Endemic Armeria maderensis (Plumbaginaceae)

The genetic diversity and possible geographic structure of the Madeiran endemic Armeria maderensis have been assessed with AFLP. Its scarce distribution (less than 3 km between the two most distant localities) and restricted habitat (vertical pastures on the highest elevations of Madeira), at least in part due to grazing by goats, suggest an assessment of its conservation status. Diversity estimates obtained for A. maderensis were evaluated through comparison with reference values of AFLP diversity for outcrossing plants and, in order to correct for phylogenetic constraints, with a widespread congener analyzed with the same AFLP markers. Our results reveal that low levels of genetic diversity and a weak intraspecific genetic structure underlie the restricted distribution of A. maderensis.Spanish Dirección General de Enseñanza Superior e Investigación Científica (grant BOS2001– 1839)Peer reviewe