RAD fragments of Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Ericaceae)

The study involved the genetic and functional investigation of three populations of the species Vaccinium vitis-idaea occurring within ice-holes, i.e. extra-zonal montane cold microrefugia, and three populations of the same species occurring in their current main distributional areal, i.e. the subalpine belt, on siliceous and calcareous bedrock. We found genetic and phenotypic differentiation of microrefugia populations determined by history and ecological contingency. Because micreorefugia populations can thus contribute to the overall variability of the species enhancing its range of responses to upcoming environmental challenges, we highlights the utmost importance of conserving extra-zonal populations and climatic refugia themselves as unique biotopes in our landscapes.