Caragana microphylla (Leguminosae) is a dominant climax semishrub species in northern China. We evaluated genetic variation within and among populations sampled from three different environmental gradients in Horqin Sandy Land in northern China using intersimple sequence repeats markers and investigated the possible existence of relationships between genetic diversity and environmental factors. 

The results showed that C. microphylla have high genetic diversity, and environmental gradients affected genetic diversity of C. microphyllapopulations. Genetic diversity of all populations was affected by many environmental factors and as well correlated with warm index and soil Olsen phosphorus (SOP) concentration.  

These results have important implications for restoration and management of these degraded ecosystems in arid and semi-arid areas. This research achievement is published on Ecology and Evolution. 

Fig. Sampling sites of 20 populations of Caragana microphylla in Horqin Sandy Land （Image by Wenda Huang）