The protected tree Dimorphandra wilsonii (Fabaceae) is a population of inter-specific hybrids: recommendations for conservation in the Brazilian Cerrado/Atlantic Forest ecotone

Abstract

Our study raises questions about the taxonomic status and the evolutionary future of D. wilsonii. We suggest that the conservation and management strategy for D. wilsonii should be revised and that it should take into account both parental Dimorphandra species in the ecotone, with special emphasis on the threatened D. exaltata. Finally, this study highlights the value of genetic information for the design of conservation strategies.