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The harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) is a short‐lived perennial native to the British Isles, where tetraploid, hexaploid and (rarely) pentaploid types occur. The hexaploid and tetraploid cytotypes show geographic separation; hexaploids are largely restricted to Ireland and the west coast of Britain. Here, we analyse morphometric and molecular genetic variation in harebell populations from across Britain and from three European locations, and assess quantitative genetic variation in phenology through a common garden trial, to determine levels of diversity and divergence, and test whether phenotypic divergence is associated with geographic variation in environment. Morphometric analysis resolves tetra‐ and hexaploids. Molecular data supported the separation of the cytotypes, with unique chloroplast DNA haplotypes in each cytotype and nuclear ITS data showing a single haplotype for hexaploids but numerous haplotypes in tetraploids. The molecular divergence between cytotypes suggests possible different origins and invasion pathways since the last glacial maximum.

Aquatic Batrachium Ranunculus species are a key component of river macrophyte communities selected for protection under European Union legislation. The group’s simplified morphology and variable taxonomic interpretation often makes identification to species level very difficult. A genetic approach was trialled as an alternative, more reliable, means of identification. DNA barcoding using four markers (chloroplast and nuclear) was tested. The chloroplast sequence trnH-psbA worked best and allowed identification of three out of five species while nuclear sequences supported the identification of two hybrids. This method is amenable to simplification through techniques such as PCR-RFLP or RT-PCR. It has the potential to provide easy, rapid and inexpensive identification of Batrachium Ranunculus species.

Dataset associated with the manuscript in prep Wachowiak W, Telford A, Zucca GM, Gonzalez-Martinez SC, Cavers S. 2014. Do local adaptation and speciation involve the same genes in recently diverged taxa?

Dataset associated with the manuscript in prep Wachowiak W, Telford A, Zucca GM, Gonzalez-Martinez SC, Cavers S. 2014. Do local adaptation and speciation involve the same genes in recently diverged taxa?