Genetic and morphological diversity in Geranium dissectum (Sec. Dissecta, Geraniaceae) populations

What is it about?

Geranium section Dissecta, (Geraniaceae) consists of four species in the world. It is believed that the center of diversification of this section is Eurasia. G. dissectum is the only species of this section in northern parts of Iran. A multivariate morphometric study showed that some quantitative characters such as deeply divided leaves, shorter and narrower petals, and shorter filaments are main diagnostic features of G. dissectum.

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Why is it important?

Geranium section Dissecta, (Geraniaceae) consists of four species in the world. It is believed that the center of diversification of this section is Eurasia. G. dissectum is the only species of this section in northern parts of Iran. A multivariate morphometric study showed that some quantitative characters such as deeply divided leaves, shorter and narrower petals, and shorter filaments are main diagnostic features of G. dissectum. This tannin-rich plant has many uses in folk medicine. There is no information on its population genetic structure, genetic diversity, and morphological variability in Iran. Due to the medicinal and weed importance of this species, a genetic variability and populations’ structure study is performed studying 21 geographical populations of G. dissectum. Perhaps the most important biological challenge today is the conservation of biodiversity. Populations were studied from morphological and genetic (ISSR) points of views. Both intra and inter-population morphological and genetic variability was observed in the studied accessions.