Population Genetic Diversity and Gene Flow of Pan SinoHimalayan and Malesian Flora, a Case Study of Rare Medicinal Plant Euchresta horsfieldii (Lesch.) Benn. (Fabaceae) in China and Indonesia

Euchresta is a small Genus of Fabaceae with which roughly distributed in East and Southeast Asia. At present it is recognized 4 species of this genus, i.e. E. japonica, E. tubulosa, E. formosana and E. horsfieldii. Euchresta horsfieldii is a medicinal plant known by Chinese and Indonesian culture. Its geographical distribution stretches from Sino-Himalaya to west Malesia regions. The natural habitat is in the montane rainforest at an altitude of 1000 to 2000 m and usually grow as an individual or a few plants in one site. There are at least two threats which endanger the existence of the species in its natural habitat. Firstly montane rain forests, especially in Indonesia, are considered as the left sanctuaries for a number of plants because at present lowland rain forest has been cleared for various purposes. Secondly, its medicinal values made it prone to overharvesting. If this figure is related to seven forms of rarity, it can becategorized as medium to highly susceptible. Therefore, conservation strategies need to be developed. This study aims to apply population and conservation genetics to assess present genetic variation of E. horsfieldii at the population level to develop conservation strategies to minimize the risk of extinction caused by genetic factors. Natural populations which are going to be sampled including those of in China and Indonesia. Genotyping of individuals is going to be carried out by molecular markers that will be developed for E. horsfieldii. Because this kind of study is still scarce in Indonesia at present, it will be beneficial not only for conservation of E. horsfieldii but also serves as an example of developing conservation strategies for mountain flora based on scientific explanation.