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Conservation genetics of an endangered rainforest tree (Fontainea oraria – Euphorbiaceae) and implications for closely related species

Conservation Genetics volume 1, pages 217–229 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

Four new eastern Australian Fontainea species have beenrecently described and all have a limited distribution. F.oraria is the rarest, being restricted to 10 adult individualswithin a single site in regrowth littoral rainforest. In order todevelop adequate management strategies, this study was aimed atsurveying the genetic variability remaining within the species by usingRAPD analysis. To assist with the correct interpretation of the results,a matching study was conducted on four populations of the closelyrelated F. australis. Similar amounts of within-populationgenetic diversity were recorded for both species. The RAPD-based studysuggested that adult plants are contributing unevenly to successivegenerations. RAPD analysis also recognised a close evolutionaryrelationship between F. oraria and F. australis.Sequencing of cpDNA (trnL-F) and nrDNA (ITS2) regions,confirmed recent divergence and possibly some historical reticulationbetween these two species and two other members of the genus. Ofparticular interest was the recognition that one of the F.australis populations (Limpinwood) represented a novel genotypiccombination in need of conservation attention. The implications of theRAPD and sequencing results are discussed in reference to theirinfluence upon the development of adequate conservation strategies forall important conservation units.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics, Southern Cross University, P.O. Box 157, Lismore, NSW, Australia

    Maurizio Rossetto

  2. Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics, Southern Cross University, P.O. Box 157, Lismore, NSW, Australia

    Jody McNally & Robert J. Henry

  3. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia

    John Hunter & Maria Matthes

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  1. Maurizio Rossetto
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  2. Jody McNally
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  3. Robert J. Henry
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  4. John Hunter
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  5. Maria Matthes
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Correspondence to Maurizio Rossetto.

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Rossetto, M., McNally, J., Henry, R.J. et al. Conservation genetics of an endangered rainforest tree (Fontainea oraria – Euphorbiaceae) and implications for closely related species. Conservation Genetics 1, 217–229 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011549604106

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011549604106

  • Australia
  • conservation strategy
  • cpDNA
  • Euphorbiaceae
  • Fontainea
  • nrDNA
  • RAPD