Phylogenetic, population structure, and population demographic analyses reveal that Vicia sepium in Japan is native and not introduced.

Vicia sepium (bush vetch) is a perennial legume widely distributed throughout the Eurasian continent. However, its distribution in Japan is limited to Mt. Ibuki and small parts of central and southern Hokkaido.

Development of microsatellite markers for Vitex rotundifolia (Verbenaceae), an endangered coastal plant in Lake Biwa, Japan.

Premise Of The Study: Microsatellite loci were developed for Vitex rotundifolia, an endangered species isolated to Lake Biwa, to investigate its genetic diversity and population structure. •

Methods And Results: Ten primer sets were identified in Japanese populations of V. rotundifolia.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the beach pea, Lathyrus japonicus (Fabaceae), in Japan.

Premise Of The Study: Microsatellite loci were developed for Lathyrus japonicus (Fabaceae) to evaluate genetic diversity, population genetic structure, and demographic patterns of this species in Japan.

Methods And Results: In total, eight primer sets were identified in Japanese populations of L. japonicus and polymorphisms were evaluated in 83 individuals from three populations, including the northern and southern geographic range in Japan.

Isolated history of the coastal plant Lathyrus japonicus (Leguminosae) in Lake Biwa, an ancient freshwater lake.

Background And Aims: Lake Biwa is one of the world's few ancient lakes. Formed ∼4 million years ago, the lake harbours many coastal species that commonly inhabit seashores. The beach pea Lathyrus japonicus is a typical coastal species of this freshwater lake, but its inland populations are faced with the threat of extinction.