High allozymic diversity in natural populations of Mycoheterotrophic Orchid Gastrodia elata, an endangered medicinal plant in China

► Mycoheterotrophic orchid Gastrodia elata is an endangered medicinal plant in China. ► Genetic diversity of G. elata wild populations was analyzed using allozyme markers. ► High genetic variation and strong genetic differentiation were found. ► In situ and ex situ conservation efforts were recommended in four management units.