Genetic diversity and population structure of the endangered alpine quillwort Isoetes hypsophila (Isoetaceae) revealed by SSR analysis

► Isoetes hypsophila is an endangered quillwort endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. ► Genetic diversity of I. hypsophila populations was analyzed using SSR markers. ► High genetic variation and evident genetic differentiation were found. ► Four management units corresponding to four geographic regions were suggested.