Reproductive biology and conservation implications of three endangered snapdragon species (Antirrhinum, Plantaginaceae)

About 32% of Antirrhinum species are considered to be endangered; however, no field studies have focused on their reproductive biology. In this work, several aspects of the reproductive biology (flowering phenology, floral biology, breeding system) and potential limits on seed quantity and quality (pollen limitation, inbreeding depression) were studied in natural populations of three endangered species of the genus (Antirrhinum charidemi, Antirrhinum subbaeticum, Antirrhinum valentinum). Results disclose that all three species need insect visitors for seed production since fruit set after autonomous self-pollination was lower than under hand cross-pollination. A. charidemi and A. valentinum were mainly self-incompatible, whereas A. subbaeticum was self-compatible but herkogamous. Supplementary pollination in open-pollinated flowers only increased fruit set and seed set relative to controls in a given population of A. valentinum. Preliminary data on inbreeding depression at early life-cycle stages of the self-compatible A. subbaeticum revealed that the cumulative level was low. Despite the three species being closely related and sharing many ecological characteristics, they show different mating systems, and different factors limit seed quantity and quality. Thus, caution should be taken when making a common conservation plan for a group of closely related taxa.     

Pollen-limited production of viable seeds in an endemic dwarf birch, Betula apoiensis, and incomplete reproductive barriers to a sympatric congener, B. ermanii

An endemic dwarf birch, Betula apoiensis, is critically endangered, and two populations of this species are restricted to the ridges of Mt. Apoi in Hokkaido, Japan. We observed the flowering phenology, pollen dispersal, and viable seed production and conducted pollination experiments in order to examine pollen limitation and hybridization with a sympatric congener, B. ermanii. B. apoiensis flowered earlier than B. ermanii but had a more variable flowering time among trees than B. ermanii. The female flowering of B. apoiensis temporally overlapped with the male flowering of B. ermanii as well as with that of B. apoiensis. Pollination experiments demonstrated that seed set and seed germination were higher in female flowers outcrossed than in those that were non-pollinated, selfed, hybridized with B. ermanii pollen, or pollinated naturally. A few selfed or hybrid seeds were filled and germinated, which indicates that self-incompatibility and reproductive barriers are not complete. Logistic regressions of local density of conspecific trees on natural seed set and seed germination were significantly positive. These results suggest that B. apoiensis is pollen-limited.     

Genetic and demographic responses of fragmented Acacia dealbata (Mimosaceae) populations in southeastern Australia

Genetic and demographic studies of fragmented populations of common plant species often reveal negative impacts that are likely to constrain persistence. Examining species that are broadly representative of functional groups within fragmented landscapes is one approach to providing a better understanding of how these processes will influence vegetation persistence. Acacias are a significant component of the Australian flora, with Acacia dealbata being a common and representative species of fragmented landscapes across New South Wales. Previous reproductive assessments of fragmented A. dealbata populations indicated significant constraints for small populations through low reproductive output mediated by fertilisation success. This study examined genetic diversity, mating system, and progeny growth parameters of the seed crops produced by these populations to assess whether further constraints to persistence could be detected. Spatially explicit simulation studies were also conducted to assess the persistence likelihood of fragmented populations. Landscape parameters such as population size and plant density were useful predictors for some of the genetic and demographic responses, but a poor response signal was generally observed. Strong evidence for a self-incompatibility mechanism was observed in A. dealbata and is likely to be the major driver of population persistence. Self-incompatibility in small populations limits mate availability and eliminates inbred progeny early in the reproductive cycle leading to poor reproductive output. The simulation data provides further evidence that mate limitation in smaller populations (<200 plants and 40 S alleles) constrains reproductive output and persistence. These data indicate that introducing new germplasm to smaller populations can dramatically improve their persistence likelihood.     

Inbreeding and small population size reduce seed set in a threatened and fragmented plant species, Lupinus sulphureus ssp. kincaidii (Fabaceae)

Willamette Valley upland prairie in western Oregon, USA, has been reduced to less than 1% of its original historic range following European settlement in the 1850s. Lupinus sulphureus ssp. kincaidii (Kincaid's lupine), a threatened species and the primary larval host plant of the endangered Icaricia icarioides fenderi (Fender's blue butterfly), was historically a panmictic metapopulation. Habitat fragmentation may be causing many of the Kincaid's lupine colonies to display typical symptoms of inbreeding depression, such as low seed production. Hand outcrosses on bagged inflorescences significantly increased seed set and seed fitness compared to open pollination and within-colony pollen treatments. Natural seed set was positively correlated with an increase in the number of Kincaid's lupine patches, suggesting that population size limits seed set. An increase in fruit set was positively correlated with Kincaid's lupine raceme number, raceme density, and the number of lupine patches, demonstrating that floral display and population size increase pollinator service. Restoration of Kincaid's lupine populations should consider measures that lessen the effects of inbreeding depression, especially in small, isolated populations, for the long-term persistence of the species.     

Extrinsic and intrinsic controls on the distribution of the critically endangered cress, Ischnocarpus exilis (Brassicaceae)

Ischnocarpus exilis, a critically endangered cress, persists in one small population in a 1m² section of a limestone tower in the South Island, New Zealand. The importance of intrinsic (seed production, dispersal ability and habitat specificity) and extrinsic factors (weed competition) acting to restrict the distribution of this threatened species were investigated with a field experiment, demographic monitoring and soil seed bank analysis. I. exilis is not confined to its present site because of high habitat specificity, but rather is limited by low seed production and limited dispersal as well as by competition with invasive weeds. Conservation management of this critically endangered species should focus on controlling weeds and on establishing new populations in suitable weed-free habitat.     

Andromonoecy in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gynandropsis gynandra</Emphasis> (L.) Briq. (Cleomaceae) and effects on fruit and seed production

Spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra) is a traditional leafy vegetable widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia that is also valued for its medicinal properties. Developing a breeding program for the species requires detailed knowledge of its phenology, floral morphology and pollination system. This study investigates the effects of floral morphology and pollination mechanisms on the reproductive success in G. gynandra. The experiments were conducted in two locations in Benin. A split-plot design was used with four randomized complete blocks. Three accessions were randomly assigned to the whole plots and five treatments including natural self-pollination, hand self-pollination, geitonogamy, open pollination and hand cross-pollination were randomized over the sub-plots. We observed that individual plant exhibited 70% of staminate (male) flowers and 30% of hermaphrodite flowers. G. gynandra was andromonoecious. Open pollination and hand cross-pollination led to higher fruit and seed set. Natural self-pollination and hand self-pollination resulted in lower fruit and seed production. G. gynandra is a self-compatible and predominantly out-crossing species. Cross-pollination resulted in a significant increase in fruit set. This study set the ground for the development of improved cultivars in G. gynandra.     

Comparative population structure and reproductive biology of the critically endangered shrub Grevillea althoferorum and two closely related more common congeners

Grevillea althoferorum is a critically endangered, sprouting shrub known from two disjunct populations within the South-West Botanical Province of Western Australia. This study compares the conservation biology of G. althoferorum and two closely related but more common congeners, the non-sprouter G. rudis and the sprouter G. synapheae subsp. pachyphylla in order to determine whether there are differences in reproductive and ecological attributes that might explain why G. althoferorum is rare. In contrast to the more common species, neither population of G. althoferorum exhibited evidence of seedling recruitment. However, the northern population was confirmed to be clonal and was actively recruiting from root suckers. Both populations of G. althoferorum were found to have reduced amounts of viable pollen on stigmas in comparison with the other species. The fruit set at the southern population of G. althoferorum was considerably lower than that found for the common species, with only 0.15% of flowers setting fruit and no fruit was produced in the northern population. In addition no evidence of a soil seed bank was found for either population of G. althoferorum, but G. rudis and G. synapheae subsp. pachyphylla both had soil stored seed which germinated following treatment with aqueous smoke solution. Sexual recruitment at both populations of G. althoferorum was absent, and reproduction appears to be predominantly clonal in the northern population. Management strategies for G. althoferorum should therefore focus on the protection of adult plants from accidental destruction.     

Herbicides, weeds and endangered species: management of bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata) with glyphosate and impacts on the endangered shrub, Pimelea spicata

Environmental weed invasion threatens the biodiversity of native species. Unfortunately, managing these weeds may also affect biodiversity adversely. A recent example occurred when glyphosate, a herbicide used to control the highly invasive weed, bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata), accidentally drifted over a small population of an endangered shrub, Pimelea spicata. Following concerns that the affected population would not recover and, thereby, cause the local extinction of P. spicata, we conducted a series of glasshouse and field experiments to explore the impacts of glyphosate on this endangered species. Seedlings and young plants of P. spicata, in which the tap root was undeveloped, were killed by a single application of glyphosate. Older plants with a well developed tap root also died back initially, but about 50% of individuals re-sprouted. This re-growth was associated with a significant decrease in tap root diameter, implying that further disturbance, including repeated treatment with glyphosate, would kill plants by impairing their potential for recovery. Unlike some sclerophyllous native shrubs, the tolerance of P. spicata to glyphosate was limited, even when its growth was slowed artificially by limiting water availability. Winter applications of glyphosate to manage infestations of bitou bush will impact adversely on populations of P. spicata and may also affect the other rare and endangered species whose survival is threatened by this species, even though some natives are unaffected by the herbicide. Protecting native biodiversity from bitou bush will involve sustainable weed management that minimises impacts on non-target native species.     

Breeding system, genetic diversity and clonal structure in the sub-alpine forb Rutidosis leiolepis F. Muell. (Asteraceae)

Genetic markers, controlled pollinations and chromosome analysis were used to examine the breeding system, clonal structure, genetic diversity and cytological complexity of populations of the endangered sub-alpine forb Rutidosis leiolepis. Results show that R. leiolepis: (1) has a strong sporophytic self-incompatibility system; (2) exhibits significant clonality and that the importance of vegetative reproduction increases at higher altitudes; (3) is genetically diverse, but that variation within populations decreases and differentiation among populations increases with altitude; and (4) is diploid with 2n=22 throughout its geographic range. Based on these results, low altitude populations around Cooma and Happy Valley should be made priority areas for in situ conservation in the Species Recovery Plan currently being developed by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service because they exhibit the most sexual reproduction and highest levels of genetic variation within the species. They may also be demographically more viable in the long term, having larger effective population sizes and less likelihood of mate limitation due to low S allele richness than high altitude populations. Sampling strategies for ex situ conservation should vary from large collections within populations at low altitudes to smaller collections spread across populations at higher altitudes where more of the genetic diversity is partitioned among sites. This should give maximum representation of the species' gene pool for minimum sampling effort.     

Reproductive constraints for the long-term persistence of fragmented Acacia dealbata (Mimosaceae) populations in southeast Australia

Fragmented and degraded vegetation characterises agricultural landscapes across southern Australian. Remnant vegetation within these regions performs a number of vital ecological and hydrological roles, but little is known about whether or how fragmentation is affecting the long-term persistence of these critical landscape elements. Acacias are a significant component of many remnant vegetation communities across Australia, forming numerous integral faunal and floral relationships. Here, reproductive output of 11 fragmented Acacia dealbata (Mimosaceae) populations from across the southern tablelands of New South Wales was assessed over 2 years to identify reproductive constraints associated with increasing vegetation fragmentation. Fertilization success is the major reproductive constraint, particularly in small populations, and probably reflects a self-incompatible reproductive strategy. During 2002 larger and more dense populations produced more legumes (p = 0.014 and <0.001, respectively) while in 2003 these two variables were associated with increased fertilization success (p = 0.004 and 0.017, respectively). There was also some suggestion that populations with fewer exotic species also experienced increased fertilization success (p = 0.055). Assessment of plant performance within populations suggests that consistent reproductive output of particular individuals within small populations may limit reproductive compatibility within these populations over time. The long-term persistence of many small A. dealbata populations may be jeopardised by low seed set, and limited recruitment and aging stands. Immediate steps are now required to ensure that these populations continue contributing to landscape function by augmenting populations, improving connectivity, and allowing disturbance events that will stimulate recruitment.     

Effects of fragmentation on pollinator assemblage, pollen limitation and seed production of Mediterranean myrtle (Myrtus communis)

Pollinator assemblages may shift as a consequence of the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats. The scarcity of mates and pollinators can lead plant populations to suffer from pollen limitation and a decrease in reproductive performance within fragmented areas. We studied the shift in pollinator assemblages along with pollen limitation and seed production patterns in the Mediterranean shrub Myrtus communis. Our study included six populations contrasting in patch and population size (Large vs. Small) within a fragmented landscape characterized by ∼1% of potential forest coverage. The breeding system in Myrtus communis was self-compatible, but compared with natural pollination, fruit set increased with pollen addition (quantity limited), and seed set (brood size) increased with outcross pollen addition (quality limited). While the pollinator assemblage in Large patches was taxonomically diverse, it was almost monopolized by honeybees in Small patches, where visitation rates were highest and wild bee species were almost absent. In general, Small populations were less pollen limited for fruit set than Large populations, particularly those that received the highest rates of honeybee visits. However, despite differences in fragmentation and pollinators between Large and Small populations, seed production patterns (brood size and seed mass) were rather similar among them, in agreement with similar pollen limitation levels found for brood size. A higher susceptibility of native pollinators to the presence of honeybee hives was found in Small patches, suggesting that the pollinator assemblage may be severely altered when fragmentation occurs in combination with beekeeping. We discuss its implications and effects on plant reproduction in fragmented areas.     

The impact of clonality on an endangered tree (Elaeocarpus williamsianus) in a fragmented rainforest

The occurrence and distribution of clonality in the endangered rainforest tree Elaeocarpus williamsianus (Elaeocarpaceae) was investigated using SSR and RAPD analyses for 170 apparent individual trees found across seven sites. The results obtained with the two molecular techniques were in complete agreement in showing that single clones are present in most of the E. williamsianus sites with two genets occurring at the largest and most adequately protected site. In addition, seed production, viability and germinability were determined for four of these populations. Fruit were produced in all four populations tested although sterile fruit were very common. Only two E. williamsianus trees representing different genets within the same site produced viable seed. The overall genetic diversity within E. williamsianus is much lower than expected and thus the potential for sexual reproduction has been significantly diminished. It is concluded that habitat fragmentation removed an existing balance between vegetative and sexual reproduction in this species. Such findings have added urgency to the management of this species which could include a reintroduction program incorporating the collation of all clones within selected sites.     

Reproductive success and pollinator effectiveness differ in common and rare Persoonia species (Proteaceae)

In plants, understanding the interactions between breeding systems and pollination ecology may enable us to predict the impacts of rarity. We used a comparative approach to test whether rarity is associated with reproductive biology in two closely-related species pairs. This system has been recently altered by changes in fire regimes and the introduction of European honeybees. More than 35% of flowers matured fruits in the common species after natural-pollination compared to <20% of flowers in the rare species. All species were obligate outcrossers in each of the study populations, but only the two rare species were pollen-limited, having significantly lower fruit-set on open-pollinated flowers than those cross-pollinated by hand (mean ± SE; 0.18 ± 0.02 vs. 0.42 ± 0.05; p < 0.001). Native bees (Leioproctus species) and introduced honeybees (Apis mellifera) visited all species. The native bees visited fewer flowers within a plant and moved greater distances between plants while foraging than honeybees, so the native bees are expected to be more effective in promoting outcrossing. While honeybees were the most frequent visitors to flowers of all species, native bees made more visits to common than rare species (0.65 ± 0.20 vs. 0.20 ± 0.09). Our results suggest that the poorer reproductive success in rare Persoonia species is associated with lower pollinator effectiveness, which is exacerbated by frequent fires and introduced honeybees. If this is a causal relationship, this may increase the probability of extinction in populations of these species.     

Nest site restoration increases the breeding density of blue-tailed bee-eaters

For birds that excavate their own nest burrows, the availability of suitable nest sites and substrates may influence the number and density of breeding birds. However, few studies of burrow-nesting birds have experimentally manipulated nest site or substrate availability. The blue-tailed bee-eater (Merops philippinus) is a colony breeding, summer migrant that excavates nest burrows in sandy banks on Kinmen Island, 5 km east of mainland China. To test whether substrate availability influenced the density or reproductive success of breeding pairs of bee-eaters, we removed all vegetation and old nest holes on treated slopes and left control slopes unmanipulated in 2003 and 2004. Plant cover on control slopes was 37.7% (11.9-67.7%). Slope gradient, soil penetration resistance and vegetation height in front of slopes did not differ between treated and control slopes in either year. Combining data from both years, the density of active nests was significantly higher (3.1-fold) on treated slopes than on control slopes. However, the reproductive performance of bee-eaters nesting on treated and control slopes did not differ in either year. Thus, removing vegetation and old nest holes from slopes with sandy loam soil improved the breeding habitat and increased the number of breeding blue-tailed bee-eaters. This technique could be used to support and manage populations of this species and other burrow-nestling species with similar habitat requirements.     

Status of the Pelecanidae

The recent history, current status and prospects in the immediate future of the seven species of the Pelecanidae are reviewed. As a consequence of pesticide poisoning, Pelecanus occidentalis suffered severe population declines in the 1950s and 1960s in portions of its range in the United States. However, since the ban on use of DDT in 1972 the species is again laying eggs of near normal thickness, reproductive success appears to be normal and populations are stable or increasing. Similarly, available data indicate that the world populations of P. rufescens, P. conspicillatus, and P. erythrorynchos remain stable, although local population fluctuations do occur. Data for P. onocrotalus show a stable population in Africa but a decline in Asia and Europe, both in numbers of birds and breeding colonies. More seriously, only very small populations of P. crispus and P. philippensis exist. Fewer than 1000 pairs of P. crispus next in 19 colonies in eastern Europe and Asia. Fewer than 1200 pairs of P. philippensis nest in four colonies in eastern/southern India and 23 colonies in Sri Lanka. The populations of both species have declined considerably in the past few decades. The causes for the declines are not documented but are thought to result from a combination of human disturbance in nesting colonies; destruction of nesting and roosting-loafing areas; declines in fish availability; and pesticide contamination. Only immediate action and concerted efforts at stabilizing the populations in the wild, in conjunction with the establishment of captive breeding populations, will preserve these two species from extinction.     

Future prospects for the rare, late-flowering Gentianella germanica and Gentianopsis ciliata in Dutch nutrient-poor calcareous grasslands

We discuss the population biology of two calcareous grassland gentians, Gentianella germanica and Gentianopsis ciliata, in relation to the habitat management currently practiced in The Netherlands. There, at the margin of their range, both species are rare. Gentianella germanica persists on six remaining locations, whereas Gentianopsis ciliata, with two populations, is nearly extinct. Gentianella germanica is a strict biennial, Gentianopsis ciliata an iteroparous perennial. Both species depend on insects for seed production and suffer from low insect visitation. Pollination experiments in one Dutch population demonstrated that Gentianopsis ciliata is self-compatible, but hardly sets any seed under natural conditions due to pollen limitation. The low reproductive success of both species is partly due to the low pollinator densities at their late flowering time, partly caused by the small population size of the gentians themselves, and partly a result of mowing too early. The latter has destroyed the seed crop of several subsequent years in one population of Gentianopsis ciliata and some of Gentianella germanica. In Gentianella germanica, the early mowing and low insect visitation seems to have resulted in selection of less herkogamous and consequently more autofertile individuals. The perspectives for Gentianopsis ciliata are currently extremely poor in The Netherlands. Under the present circumstances, extinction will most likely occur within 10-20 years. Population reinforcement (seeding, artificial cross-pollination with nearby populations) should be considered if we want to conserve this species. For both gentians, but also of other flagship species of nutrient-poor calcareous grasslands, the total grassland area needs to be enlarged and must constitute an interconnected network of reserves. The traditional management method, sheep grazing, is to be preferred over mowing, but only if the flock visits each grassland patch or reserve for only a short time of less than a day, and with intervals of more than 2 weeks between visits. If mowing is preferred for other reasons, it should be done rotationally, and not before October.     

Geographic differentiation of morphological traits and isozymes in the Mediterranean island endemic Anchusa crispa: implications for the conservation of a protected species

Understanding population differentiation and genetic diversity within population is critical to the development of conservation programmes for threatened species. The protected species, Anchusa crispa Viv. occurs on coastal sand dunes in three disjunct geographical groups of populations: two populations on the east coast of Corsica, several populations around a single estuary on the west coast of Corsica and at a number of sites in north-west Sardinia, where two different subspecies occur. In this study we quantify differentiation of reproductive traits and isozymes among regions and populations on Corsica and between subspecies on Sardinia. No isozyme variation was detected within any of the studied populations nor among populations from a given geographic region. Two loci showed geographic differentiation between regions on Corsica. On Sardinia, the two subspecies showed no isozyme differentiation, and, depending on the loci examined, are similar to one or other of the two regions on Corsica. Reproductive traits show significant differentiation between geographic regions on Corsica, but little variation among populations within a region. In populations on the west coast of Corsica, flowers are small and have a stigma situated at the same level as the apex of the anthers whereas on the east coast, flowers are larger and have the stigma below the anthers. On Sardinia, A. crispa subsp. crispa has a floral morphology similar to the Corsican plants, whereas subspecies maritima has larger flowers with the stigma positioned above the anthers (approach-herkogamy). Quantitative variation in floral morphology thus agrees with the separation of two taxonomic entities on Sardinia and geographic variation in reproductive traits and isozymes has important ramifications for the sampling of populations for conservation programmes.     

Seed banks in plant conservation: Case study of Santa Cruz tarplant restoration

Although conservation and restoration practitioners have focused on maximizing aboveground population size and seed set of rare plants, a clear understanding of seed bank dynamics is crucial to managing these species. Santa Cruz tarplant (Holocarpha macradenia) is a threatened annual forb restricted to coastal prairie habitats in central California. Holocarpha produces disk achenes germinating within a year of production and ray achenes forming a persistent seed bank. We constructed both deterministic and stochastic demographic models for a restored Holocarpha population, using demographic rates measured separately for unmanipulated plants and plants growing in plots where vegetation was clipped. The deterministic models indicated that regardless of germination from the seed bank, the population would decline without clipping or similar treatments that enhance survival and reproductive output. Deterministic models showed only a slight positive effect of increased ray seed germination rates on population growth, which would need to be balanced against a potential loss of buffering against environmental variation as the dormant seed bank was reduced. Our stochastic simulations suggested that extinction risk for Holocarpha populations would be minimized by intermediate levels of ray seed germination. Thus, managers should focus on improving the performance of aboveground plants before considering actions to stimulate germination, since the former will yield a greater increase in deterministic population growth and not sacrifice any buffering effect of the seed bank. This case study emphasizes the importance of considering dormant seeds and seed banks in designing successful restoration and management strategies for plant species at risk of extinction.     

Recruitment and regeneration in populations of an endangered South Iberian Tertiary relict tree

The southern Iberian Peninsula is one of the most important refugia of Tertiary relict plant taxa in Europe. Under the present summer-dry climate, relict populations may experience a severely reduced regeneration. We studied the demographic structure, seed set and initial recruitment in relict populations of the endangered tree Frangula alnus subsp. baetica (Rhamnaceae) to evaluate its regeneration potential under the present environmental conditions. Populations are restricted to small riparian forests of Southwest Spanish and North Moroccan mountain ranges. The distribution of fruit crop sizes was highly left-skewed, and a few old trees produced the large bulk of the population seed pool. Bird-mediated seed dispersal appeared inefficient and post-dispersal seed predation by mice was high. Secondary seed transport by elevated creek water flow after winter rains modified the primary seed dispersal, but in consequence most seeds germinated on recently formed sandbanks where seedlings experienced reduced initial growth and survival. The most important mortality factor was desiccation, followed by herbivory. None of 1144 monitored seedlings survived for 2 years. The demographic survey through five populations indicates that drought periods may cause temporal regeneration bottlenecks. Moreover, over the last two decades populations have experienced increasing regeneration problems. Two causes are suggested: (1) browsing pressure from introduced game animals, and (2) the impact of torrential water flow peaks after heavy winter rains, exacerbated by large-scale vegetation slashing in surrounding cork oak forests. We discuss conservation strategies for this and other relict tree species that account for the pecularities of their habitat within the Mediterranean.     

Morphological and genetic diversity and seed germination behavior of a snow lotus (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Saussurea involucrata</Emphasis>, Asteraceae) from the Mongolian Altay Mountains,Western Mongolia

Different conservation measures including domestication approaches are needed to preserve rare and extensively used plant species and to satisfy future market demands. Snow lotus (a common name used for a number of high altitude species in central Asia) species in Mongolia are important medicinal plants, mostly endangered at the regional level due to the extensive use for medicinal purposes and naturally limited distribution ranges. In order to develop effective conservation and cultivation approaches we studied the morphological and genetic diversity as well as the seed germination behavior of three populations of Saussurea involucrata in the Altay Mountains of Western Mongolia. Plant height and leaf length were measured on 41–53 randomly selected individuals in each population. Enhancement of seed germination was studied using either mechanical or chemical scarification with potassium nitrate and gibberellic acid. Genetic diversity within and among three populations of the species was analyzed using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms. Plants in three populations differed in height and leaf length (P < 0.001). Plant size tended to be negatively correlated with habitat altitude. Seed germination rate was low and increased with seed soaking in gibberellic acid. However, the response of seeds to different treatments was rather population-specific. Most treatments did not significantly affect mean days to germination and the ratio of shoot to root dry weight of 2-weeks old seedlings. The level of genetic diversity in the studied populations was lower than the average value for other long-lived perennial herbs. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a high differentiation within populations (92 % of total variation) indicating sufficient gene flow among populations.