Evaluation of microsatellites of Catha edulis (qat; Celastraceae) identified using pyrosequencing

► We establish a strategy to develop SSRs using pyrosequencing technology. ► We obtained 866 SSR-containing sequences that can be used for primer design. ► We design 63 primer pairs from which 27 were good for phylogeographic studies. ► The 27 SSRs were able to discriminate genetic structure pattern among samples. ► We found that the TAA markers were particular informative.