Natural genetic variation present in two populations of the critically enda
ngered legume C longipes was revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (
RAPD) analysis. Out of the 30 primers used to test the intra-specific genet
ic polymorphism (between individuals from isolated populations) only 21 gav
e amplification. Eight primers produced monomorphic bands and 13 primers pr
oduced polymorphism. But the range of percent polymorphism was only 0 to 33
%. There was close similarity between individuals within and between popula
tions. Cluster analysis based on Nei's indices did not reveal any populatio
n differentiation and individuals of both populations clustered with each o
ther. These results point to a very low genetic polymorphism in C. longipes
populations.