High Levels of Genetic Divergence among Populations in a Weedy Fern, Pteris multifida Poir.

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Abstract
Intragametophytic selfing in the homosporous ferns has been viewed as an advantageous mechanism permitting colonization of distant, open habitats. However, there is little evidence for the generality of colonization through intragametophytic selfing. In this study, the genetic structure of Pteris multifida was determined using Wright's F‐statistics in order to detect the occurrence of this type of colonization. A high level of genetic divergence among populations (FST= 0.543) was found in P. multifida. This genetic divergence seems to be caused by frequent occurrences of colonization through intragametophytic selfing.