Genetic variation of the relict species Acanthopanax sessiliflorus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Seem. (Araliaceae) in Primorsky Krai

Based on the analysis of 17 genes encoding the allozyme diversity of 12 enzyme systems, data were obtained on the genetic variation of a relict of the Tertiary flora, a valuable medicinal plant Acanthopanax sessiliflorus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Seem. (Araliaceae) in the Russian area of its range. Indices of polymorphism for populations had rather high values on average (P (95) = 42.4%, A = 1.55, H (o) = 0.211, and H (e) = 0.168), which are comparable with the known data for populations of A. sessiliflorus from the peninsula of Korea. The level of genetic diversity and its distribution among populations reflects the interaction of several factors, among which the most important are the historical past of the species, genetic drift, and the plasticity of the reproduction system. The obtained data can serve as a basis for the conservation of genetic resources of Far Eastern Araliaceae species.