Genetic Diversity in the Threatened Local Endemic Plant Arisaema minus (Araceae)

YAMASHIRO TADASHI, KOBAYASHI TOMIKI

doi:10.18942/apg.kj00007062767

The genetic diversity and genetic structure of the locally endemic Arisaema minus was examined using allozyme polymorphisms. Arisaema minus is restricted to Hyogo Prefecture in western Honshu, Japan. The Red List of Japan treats it as "vulnerable". To determine the genetic diversity of the species, 274 individuals from six populations were sampled. Genetic diversity at 10 allozyme loci was relatively high at both the population and species level, and comparable to previously reported species of Japanese Arisaema species having wider distribution ranges. Although the western and eastern Hyogo populations are disjunct, very low genetic differentiation was observed among the six populations (Gst=0.06). The genetic data suggest that the risk of rapid extinction of A. minus is quite low. The eastern Hyogo populations, however, have lower genetic diversity than those in western Hyogo and are threatened by habitat destruction caused by human activities, therefore placing them at greater risk of extinction. Periodic monitoring of both the demography and genetic variation in the eastern populations is needed.

Genetic Diversity in the Threatened Local Endemic Plant Arisaema minus (Araceae)

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