Genetic variation in the threatened medicinal tree Prunus Africana in Cameroon and Kenya: implications For current management and evolutionary history

Abstract

Prunus africana is important medicinal tree threatened by over-exploitation in a number of African countries and therefore, development of national management strategies for conservation and sustainable use are important. A RAPD analysis used to assess patterns of genetic variation in Cameroon and Kenya revealed that significantly more variation partitioned among Kenyan populations than in Cameroon, with a clear genetic disjunction showing between Kenyan stands. Data suggest both particular opportunities and concerns for genetic management in the countries especially in the context of domestication in agroforestry systems