Genetic diversity in populations of Maytenus dasyclada (Celastraceae) in forest reserves and unprotected Araucaria forest remnants

Abstract

Understanding the genetic structure and diversity of plants is fundamental to their conservation and permits their sustainable use by local communities. Th e genus Maytenus (Celastraceae) is composed of plants possessing pharmacological and antioxidant properties. However, the genetic and economic properties of the species M. dasyclada, a typical species of Araucaria forests in Brazil and Uruguay, have been little studied. In this work, the genetic structure and diversity of natural populations of M. dasyclada…