The genetic diversity and structure of the Ferula communis L. complex (Apiaceae) in the Tyrrhenian area

Our study indicates fairly high levels of genetic diversity for all populations (Fragpoly = 58.2-88%; Hj = 0.186-0.313), with no significant differences between F. arrigonii and F. communis. The genetic structure is only partially coherent with the geographic provenance of the populations: while individuals of F. arrigonii constituted a separate genetic group, the individuals of F. communis were partitioned into three main genetic clusters. These corresponded respectively to F. communis subsp. glauca, to populations from Tunisia and Gozo Island, and to all populations from the rest of the investigated areas; this last cluster was characterized by a marked substructure.