Characterization and Genetic Divergence of Casearia grandiflora Populations in the Cerrado of Piaui State, Brazil

ABSTRACT Casearia grandiflora (Salicaceae) is a species typical of the savanna of Piaui state. Knowledge about its genetic diversity is of great importance to establish practices and strategies of biological conservation. This study aimed to characterize C.grandiflora diversity in two areas of savanna. Fifteen quantitative descriptors were analyzed trough measurement of steam, leaf, fruit and seed, followed by multivariate analysis (principal component and grouping). Both principal component analysis and grouping methods showed similarities in plant association, which contribute to the knowledge on patterns of phenotypic variation and species divergence, with the greatest genetic diversity variation found within the populations. The results provide important information because descriptions of morphologic characterization and genetic diversity of this species are still limited in the specific literature.