Molecular signatures of long-distance oceanic dispersal and the colonization of Pacific islands in Lycium carolinianum (Solanaceae)

Long-distance dispersal has been important in explaining the present distributions of many plant species. Despite being infrequent, such dispersal events have considerable evolutionary consequences, as bottlenecks during colonization can result in reduced genetic diversity. We examined the phylogeographic history of Lycium carolinianum, a widespread taxon that ranges from southeastern North America to several Pacific islands, with intraspecific diversity in sexual and mating systems.