Genetic diversity defines the evolutionary potential of a species, yet mounting evidence suggests that epigenetic diversity could also contribute to adaptation.
The genetic diversity and structure of plant populations are determined by the interaction of gene flow, genetic drift and natural selection. These processes are to some extent dependent on the mating system of plants...
Current diversity patterns are influenced by both historic and recent environmental conditions. Quaternary glacial cycles appear to have had a consistent role in shaping the genetic diversity and structure of plant...
Population structure and genetic diversity of plant invasions are the result of evolutionary processes such as natural selection, drift and founding events. Some invasions are also molded by specific human activities...
Island organisms are generally understood to diverge through geographical (allopatric) speciation. This paradigm, however, might be too simplistic for continental islands that were connected with each other and/or the...
Landrein et al. explore the genetic and morphological consequences of natural selection and selective breeding in the genus Abelia (Caprifoliaceae). The genus comprises ornamental shrubs, endemic to China, that have...
The Balkan Peninsula is one of the most important centres of plant diversity in Europe. Yet its flora is still largely unexplored and calls for further investigations. Olšavská et al. focus on Balkan taxa of the Cyanus...
Pedersen et al. present analyses of morphometric and AFLP data from populations of Geodorum (Orchidaceae) – a study conducted in preparation of the Flora of Thailand account. Patterns of phenetic variation and inferred...
Ecological restoration is often conducted with limited consideration of genetic diversity and the environmental factors that drive variation within species. In a new study published in AoB PLANTS, Hufford et al...
Populations of introduced species in their new environments are expected to differ from native populations, due to processes such as genetic drift, founder effects, and local adaptation, which can often result in rapid...
Spatial spread of genetically identical plants may decrease paternal diversity and fertility, particularly towards the centre of large clumps of clones.
Rumex bucephalophorus subsp. canariensis (Polygonaceae) is an endemic taxon to Macaronesia with diaspore polymorphism. Talavera et al. use AFLP analysis to study 260 plants from 22 populations across the Madeiran and...
The potential for gene exchange between species with different ploidy levels has long been recognized, but only a few studies have tested this hypothesis in situ and most of them have focused on not more than two co...
Progenitor–derivative speciation occurs when an isolated peripheral population diverges from the ancestral condition and forms a derivative species. López et al. find evidence of this type of speciation in the genus...