Data from: Cryptic divergent lineages of Pultenaea pauciflora M.B. Scott (Fabaceae, Mirbelieae) exhibit different evolutionary history

Genetic structure among disjunct population groups of Pultenaea pauciflora
was assessed to determine the evolutionary history of this species as a
basis for conservation management strategies. Analysis of individuals from
all extant populations using 1737 amplified length polymorphism markers
revealed two highly divergent genetic entities with strong geographical
structuring. Populations located at Narrogin and Brookton clustered
together in Bayesian assignment analysis with every individual optimally
placed in a single cluster with complete membership. Genetic
differentiation between populations in these two areas was very low.
Populations at Boddington were highly divergent from those located at
Narrogin and Brookton. All individuals from Boddington populations were
optimally placed into a second cluster with complete membership.
Populations located at Boddington maintain lower levels of allelic
diversity, yet greater levels of mean heterozygosity than populations
located at Narrogin and Brookton. The degree of genetic differentiation
and different patterns of genetic diversity strongly suggest historical
divergence and separate evolutionary influences on the two lineages that
occur in different ecological habitat. These Evolutionary Significant
Units are likely to represent two cryptic sister taxa in the extant
populations currently recognized as P. pauciflora, and the reassessment of
taxonomic and conservation status of both lineages is required.