Diversity and population genetic structure of the wax palm Ceroxylon quindiuense in the Colombian Coffee Region

Abstract

The wax palm from Quindio (Ceroxylon quindiuense) is an icon of the cultural identity of the coffee growing eco-region and of all Colombia. Processes of urbanization, expansion of the agricultural and livestock area, among others, have increased its level of threat. Protecting this palm from extinction is important at an ecological level, given its function as a key species in Andean ecosystems. This work evaluated the diversity and population genetic structure of the wax palm from Quindio in five populations of the Colombian coffee region eco-region (Andean zone) by using ten microsatellite molecular markers. Two groups were identified at genetic diversity level, along with a heterozygote deficiency in all the populations possibly due to cryptic population structure effects mediated by loss of habitat. The five sampling units considered presented a total significant genetic structure, revealing a high degree of reproductive isolation. The results presented here add to the Conservation Plan for this species existing in Colombia.