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In this study, we studied the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the endangered endemic Crepis granatensis, using amplified fragments length polymorphism (AFLP) and plastid DNA (cpDNA). No genetic divergences were obtained using cpDNA markers. Three primers combinations selected from a total of 12 produced a total of 421 fragments, of which 418 (99.3%) were polymorphic. The total genetic diversity of C. granatensis was moderate (Ht = 0.260). Neís gene diversity ranged from 0.202 to 0.258. The fixation index (Fst) was 0.137, suggesting low to moderate genetic differentiation among populations. The AMOVA analysis revealed that genetic diversity was mainly concentrated among individuals within populations (74%), while 8% was found among populations and 18% among regions. The Bayesian analysis and PCoA identified two genetic clusters: one corresponded to La Sagra population and the other corresponded to the Mágina populations. Based on our genetic results, it is necessary to preserve the evolutionary potential of C. granatensis by protecting all extant populations. Both in situ and ex-situ conservation measures should be considered. Reinforcement, reintroduction, and translocation programmes could be performed if necessary. Finally, such conservation strategies should be considered both in the current recovery plan and management actions for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micromorphological characters of leaves in the genus Quercus have proved very useful in their taxonomy. A microhistological study of the most representative species of the genus Quercus in the eastern part of Sierra Morena (southern Iberian Peninsula) is carried out in this work: Q. coccifera, Q. faginea subsp. faginea, Q. pyrenaica, Q. rotundifolia and Q. suber. The leaves microcharacters were studied, measured, photographed and compared in order to provide a good description by optical microscope. In particular, features related to trichomes, stomata and epidermal cells on adaxial and abaxial leaf surface have been used. The data for 21 variables were collected. Our study confirms the usefulness of the micromorphological characters of the leaf epidermis and optical microscopy to distinguish between Quercus species, and has helped to identify the studied species. Some of the species can be identified by a single diagnostic character, and others by a combination of few characters. Based on the set of analyzed characteristics, a dichotomy key for the differentiation of the five taxa studied in this work is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We modelled the potential habitat of a threatened species D. fissum subsp. sordidum, an endemic hemicryptophyte with a disjunct distribution in the Iberian Peninsula. Maxent was used to predict the subspecies habitat suitability by relating field sample-based distributional information with environmental and topographic variables. Our results suggest that the model performed well, predicting with high accuracy the current distribution of the species. The variables that most contributed to the model were Mean Temperature of Wettest Quarter (MTWtQ), Precipitation of Warmest Quarter (PWmQ), Temperature Annual Range (TAR) and Slope (Slo). These variables are biological significant for the taxon, as they have decisive influence in the critical stages of germination and fruiting. The current and potential distributional areas identified by the model fall mainly in regions with some degree of environmental protection, with some exceptions. A recovery plan for the species should be considered. Species Distribution Modelling cannot substitute long-term monitoring programmes, yet it is a useful tool for identifying appropriate areas of taxon occurrence, and thus allow for efficient use of the economic and human resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]