GENETIC DIVERSITY OF AN EXPLOITED SPECIES, FLAGELLARIA-GUINEENSIS

Natural populations of Flagellaria guineensis (Flagellariaceae) from t he Eastern Cape (South Africa) are subject to different rates of explo itation, as the stems are used for making baskets. The population gene tic structure was determined by obtaining, compiling and analyzing iso zyme electrophoretic data. Seven populations showed no remarkable diff erence between heavy and light exploitation. The coefficient of gene d ifferentiation indicated that the among population component of geneti c diversity represents 58% of the total population component. This ind icated restricted gene flow, possibly resulting from a high rate of as exual reproduction.