The protected tree Dimorphandra wilsonii (Fabaceae) is a population of inter-specific hybrids: recommendations for conservation in the Brazilian Cerrado/Atlantic Forest ecotone

• DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcaa066
• Publication Date: 2020-04-09T19:14:02Z
• Authors: André Carneiro Muniz; José Pires Lemos-...; Helena Augusta Souza; Rafaela Cabral Ma...; Renata Santiago B...; Myriam Heuertz; Maria Bernadete L...
• Keywords: Ecotone; Araucaria; Ex situ conservation; Endemism

Abstract Backgrounds and Aims Dimorphandra wilsonii Rizzini, a critically endangered protected tree, has restricted distribution in the ecotone between Cerrado Atlantic Forest south-eastern Brazil. In this area, it co-occurs with D. mollis Benth., common tree from Cerrado, exaltata Schott., rare Forest. Previous studies of indicated heterozygosity excess at individual level. Field observation some intermediate phenotypes both congeners suggests hybridization and/or exaltata. Here, we tested hypothesis that may have originated mollis. We also performed cytogenetic analysis to examine if could be explained by polyploidy wilsonii. Methods evaluated genetic diversity population structure using 11 nuclear simple sequence repeats (SSRs) genotyped 152 individuals sampled across taxon’s range. comparative analyses overlapping SSR markers previously published data subsequently perform series allelic comparisons, multivariate Bayesian analysis. Key Results Our results suggest are most likely correspond F1 hybrids Cytogenetic is diploid same chromosome number as (2n = 2x 28). Conclusions study raises questions about taxonomic status evolutionary future conservation management strategy for should revised take into account parental species ecotone, special emphasis on threatened Finally, highlights value information design strategies.