Cytogenetic and isozymic characterization of the narrow endemic speciesArtemisia molinieri(Asteraceae, Anthemideae): implications for its systematics and conservation

We carried out a cytogenetic and isozymic study of Artemisia molinieri Quézel, Barbero, & R. Loisel (Asteraceae, Anthemideae), a narrow endemic species limited to two populations in southeastern France. Fine karyotype analysis, including fluorochrome banding, enabled us to discuss the systematic affinities of this taxon, which is closely related to Artemisia abrotanum L. and Artemisia chamaemelifolia Vill. Isozyme electrophoresis showed higher genetic variability than expected for a plant with a very restricted geographic distribution. These data, along with the results of a study of pollen viability and some ecological factors, led us to propose some ideas concerning the conservation strategy for this rare plant species.