GENETIC-ANALYSIS OF THE ENDANGERED ISLAND ENDEMIC MALACOTHAMNUS-FASCICULATUS (NUTT) GREENE VAR NESIOTICUS (ROB) KEARN (MALVACEAE)

Isozyme, randomly amplified polymorphic DNA, and ribosomal DNA analyse s were used to evaluate the genetic distinctness and diversity of the endangered island endemic Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nesioticus ( Santa Cruz Island bush mallow). Analysis of amplified DNA profiles and electrophoretic data indicates that var. nesioticus is genetically di stinct from other varieties within the species. No isozyme or amplifie d DNA variation was detected among individuals of nesioticus populatio ns, but restriction site analysis of ribosomal DNA revealed the presen ce of three closely related genotypes within one of the nesioticus pop ulations. Apparent clonal structuring was found in both nesioticus pop ulations and in one mainland population, var. nuttallii. Results from these analyses provide the background necessary for the design of cons ervation efforts with recovery goals that insure the long-term surviva l of Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. nesioticus.