A Population Genetics Approach to Characterizing the Styrax platanifolius Subspecies (and preliminary results)

Styrax platanifolius, a rare plant species primarily from Central and West Texas as well as Coahuila, Mexico, has long been subject to taxonomic debate. The species is currently considered to contain five subspecies which are mostly distinguished by their pubescence. Genotyping Styrax platanifolius subspecies platanifolius, stellatus, and texanus (currently limited sampling of mollis and youngiae) using microsatellite loci will facilitate analysis of many aspects of their biology. Mainly, we will discover interbreeding (or lack thereof) between the subspecies, levels of inbreeding within populations, and whether the variation across the complex can be attributed to a geographic cline as opposed to a clear distinction between subspecies. These analyses (and future morphometric and cross pollination experiments) will inform conservation of these rare plants in central Texas.