Population differentiation and demographic history of the Cycas taiwaniana complex (Cycadaceae) endemic to South China as indicated by DNA sequences and microsatellite markers.

Historical geology, climatic oscillations, and seed dispersal capabilities are thought to influencethe population dynamics and genetics of plants, especially for distribution-restricted andthreatened species. Investigating the genetic resources within and among taxa is a prerequisitefor conservation management. The Cycas taiwaniana complex consists of six endangeredspecies that are endemic to South China. In this study, we investigated the relationshipbetween phylogeographic history and the genetic structure of the C. taiwaniana complex.To estimate the phylogeographic history of the complex, we assessed the genetic structureand divergence time, and performed phylogenetic and demographic historical analyses. Twochloroplast DNA intergenic regions (cpDNA), two single-copy nuclear genes (SCNGs), andsix microsatellite loci (SSR) were sequenced for 18 populations.