Genetic and morphological divergence in theAndrocymbium gramineum complex (Colchicaceae)

Narrow endemism is a poor predictor of genetic potential in the six taxa that conform theAndrocymbium gramineum complex, as shown by the unexpectedly high values of variability associated with ten allozymic loci and 13 biometrical variables. Although both levels are shown not to be correlated, variability is always concentrated within populations. This result, together with environmental, reproductive and historical data strongly suggests differentiation in local isolates, where changes can be quickly assimilated by stochastic processes. A key implication for conservation is that sampling within the largest population will save effort while neglecting only very low frequency alleles.