Genetic analysis reveals a wide regional provenance distribution for Epacris impressa

assess genetic diversity (Awasthi et al. 2004;Ayres & Strong 2001; Esselman etal.1999; Jain etal.1999).Three collection ranges were suggested for a 22,000 km^ area in the Sydney basin using combined genetic and morphological assessment techniques: 1) narrow collection range -an area as close to the planting site as possible; 2) intermediate collection range -extending the collection area to fragmented remnants that were once contiguous with the site; 3) regional collection rangewidening the geographic area to include a larger region (Burgin et al. 2005;Mortlock 2000).In this study, RAPDs and ISSR were performed to determine relatedness among and within geographic sites and floral colour races of £ impressa.The size of heathland ecosystems has been drastically reduced and continuesto beat riskduetocontinued land cleahng.Threatsto heathland areas include property and pasture development, forestry, mining, fire control in urbanised areas and infection by P/iyfop/ 7 f/)orac/nnamom/(The State of Victoria 2002; Williams etal.2001).Very little research has been Abstract Epacris impressa has showy flowers that fall into three general colour races: red, pink and white.It is primarily an outcrossing species with some examples of selfing occurring in each population.Genetic fingerprinting techniques were used to examine relationships between geographic sites and flower colour populations and to aid provenance determination.Results indicated that E. impressa has a high level of genetic diversity between and amongst sites and floral colour races.This suggests a wide provenance distribution for the species which would concur with earlier morphological studies conducted In the1970's.