Long-distance gene dispersal inferred from spatial genetic structure in Handeliodendron bodinieri, an endangered tree from karst forest in southwest China

► Gene dispersal was investigated in Handeliodendron bodinieri from karst forest. ► Genetic diversity within populations was found to be moderate. ► Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicates moderate spatial genetic structure. ► Long distance gene dispersal was detected among populations in this species. ► The karst landscape is not a barrier of gene flow at regional scale for H. bodinieri.