Phenotypic variation in natural populations of Primula maximowiczii.

Investigation of seventeen phenotypic traits from five natural Primula maximowiczii populations showed significant differences among all the traits both within and between populations. The phenotypic differentiation coefficient (Vst) ranged from 0.09 to 0.34 Phenotypic diversity within populations was higher than that among populations and the main source of variation was observed within populations. The variation coefficient (CV) of phenotypic traits ranged from 13.71% to 48.80%. The color of corolla eyes is the most unstable trait (CV=48.80%), while the corolla tube length is the most stable trait (CV=13.71%). Leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, scape diameter, inflorescence number and flower number were significantly positively correlated while stigma type was significantly negatively correlated with corolla tube length. Pintype plants usually had shorter corolla tubes while thrumtype plants had longer corolla tubes. Most phenotypic traits showed a significantly positive correlation with longitude and latitude, but a significant negative correlation with altitude and annual rainfall. UPGMA cluster analysis classified the five P. maximowiczii populations into two groups without a clear geographic correlation.