Strong genetic structure over the American continents and transoceanic dispersal in the mangrove genus <i>Rhizophora</i> (Rhizophoraceae) revealed by broad‐scale nuclear and chloroplast DNA analysis

Abstract

The American continents are strong geographical barriers to dispersal of Rhizophora, to the point where the Pacific and Atlantic populations are distinct genealogical units, supporting the recommendation to treat the populations as separate conservation and management units. Trans-Pacific propagule dispersal of Rhizophora has occurred; R. mangle and R. samoensis might be the same species and this question should be resolved with further taxonomic study.