Patterns of phylogeography and vicariance of Chamaerops humilis L. (Palmae)

Authors : Juan Luis GARCÍACASTAÑO, Anass TERRAB, María Ángeles ORTIZ, Tod Falor STUESSY, Salvador TALAVERA

Pages : 1132-1146

Doi:10.3906/bot-1404-38

View : 12 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Chamaerops humilis L. is 1 of 2 native palms occurring in Europe and the only native palm in the West Mediterranean region. Our aims were: insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1); to describe its phylogeographic structure; insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2); to infer a biogeographic scenario to explain its present distribution; and insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3); to assess changes in its distribution from the last interglacial period. Twenty-two populations were sampled. An amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis produced 226 fragments, which allowed recognition of 4 groups of populations: insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1); E Iberian Peninsula plus Al Hoceima insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(NE Morocco);, the Balearics, and Sardinia; insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2); France, the Italian Peninsula, and Sicily; insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3); SW Iberian Peninsula and NW Morocco; and insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(4); S Morocco insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(var. argentea André; the first 3 groups are currently included in var. humilis);. The phylogenetic information and molecular clock-related estimates, combined with geological and fossil history from the Eocene to present, suggest that C. humilis occurred in Central Europe in the Tertiary, reaching insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1); Spain and insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2); Italy, with expansion from here across North Africa to insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3); N Morocco and S Spain, and insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(4); S Morocco. Climatic changes may also help explain the fragmented current distribution of this species. The groups of populations are sufficiently genetically distinct to recommend conservation of at least some populations in each region.
Keywords : Amplified fragment length polymorphisms, fossils, Mediterranean, palms, phylogeography, Quaternary, Tertiary