Isozyme variation and genetic relationships inPhyllocladus trichomanoidesandP. alpinus(Podocarpaceae)

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Abstract
Four populations each of Phyllocladus trichomanoides and P. alpinus were investigated by isozyme analysis of foliage extracts. Very low levels of genetic variation in both species compare well with results for other New Zealand conifers. Genetic identity between the two Phyllocladus species is high (I = 0.880). However, at two out of four variable loci (Est-1, Me), the two species have no alleles in common and at a third variable locus (Mdh-2), P. trichomanoides has an exclusive allele. P. alpinus populations showed considerable variation in allele frequency at the Idh locus, which was significantly correlated with mean daily July minimum temperature. A similar trend was found in P. trichomanoides. The electrophoretically detectable genetic differences between the two species do not support a hypothesis suggesting hybrid origin of the South Island populations of P. trichomanoides.