Abstract: Schisandra sphenanthera has been used as a traditional medicinal plant, possessing a tremendous potential for commercial development. Population genetic information on S. sphenanthera will be helpful for its evaluation, utilization and conservation. Genetic diversity and structure in ten natural populations of the species were analysed by using nine SSR markers developed by the authors. A total of 58 alleles were detected, and the mean expected heterozygosity (HE) and observed heterozygosity (HO) were 0528 and 0519, respectively. Large continuous populations maintained relatively high degree of genetic diversity, whereas small populations exhibited low genetic diversity. In S. sphenanthera, the estimated level of inbreeding was significant with the FIS of 0042. The population genetic differentiation was 0108. Across all populations, each pairwise comparison of genetic differentiation as meaured by FST was significant. Bayesian clustering analysis revealed two genetic clusters: south and north populations drew by the Yangtse River. The special natural barrier and subsequent recolonization play a role in the formation of population genetic structure in S. sphenanthera.

Key words: Selenium, Chamaecrista rotundifolia, Growth, Nutrient content, Nitrogen-fixing ability