Patterns of genetic diversity and structure of a threatened palm species (Euterpe edulis Arecaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The detection of distribution patterns of genetic diversity of plant and animal species has contributed to the understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary history of the Atlantic Forest. We used microsatellite markers to access the genetic diversity and structure of 26 populations and 527 adult individuals of Euterpe edulis, a native palm which is an important food resource for fauna and is intensively exploited due to economic reasons. We found high genetic diversity and inbreeding in all populations analyzed.

Evolutionary history of Manihot carthagenensis (Euphorbiaceae) and allied species in eastern South America.

Intermittent episodes of climate changes, such as those that occurred during the Pleistocene, likely shaped the diversification of the young genus Manihot Mill. (Euphorbiacheae). One of such recently-derived congeners ─ M.