Inter-specific relationships and hierarchical spatial genetic structuring in Nervilia nipponica, an endangered orchid in Japan

An understanding of the extent to which reproductive strategy and seed dispersal lead to the structuring of genetic diversity in space is required when planning measures towards the conservation of endangered plant species. In this study, genetic structure in the endangered terrestrial orchid Nervilia nipponica was investigated using amplified fragment length polymorphisms following extensive sampling throughout the species' range in Japan and intensive sampling at a single population. Limited diversity was found within the species as a whole, but significant structuring was detected between populations. One genotype was common to two widely separated sites, possibly indicative of long-range dispersal. Significant structure was also detected at the intensively sampled site, as a result of the presence of two distinct putative clones. These findings are consistent with observations of the species' ability to set seed autogamously and propagate vegetatively. Given the strong colonising capability inferred for the species, attention should focus on identifying and securing habitat conditions conducive to seed germination and seedling establishment in the development of a conservation strategy. As presently circumscribed, N. nipponica is shown to comprise two polyphyletic taxa, both endemic to Japan, and both distinct from N. taiwaniana, a species that some authors have considered conspecific.