Transferability of microsatellite loci to Vellozia plicata (Velloziaceae), a widespread species on Brazilian inselbergs

Inselbergs are isolated, mainly granitic and gneissic rock outcrops, forming old landscape elements on crystalline continental shields on all continents. Many Velloziaceae which occur specifically as mat-formers on these rock outcrops are well adapted to harsh environmental conditions and do not occur in the surrounding matrix. Vellozia plicata Mart. is a widespread desiccation-tolerant mat-forming species on inselbergs in southeastern Brazil, with naturally fragmented populations. Here, we tested the transferability of 53 microsatellite loci previously developed for two Vellozia species (V. gigantea N. L. Menezes & Mello-Silva and V. squamata Pohl) in two populations of V. plicata. We succeeded in the amplification of 11 loci, and six of them were polymorphic. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 17, the expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.875 and from 0.000 to 0.895, respectively. Our results show that cross-amplification works within the genus Vellozia, but at a lower level when compared to other monocot families on inselbergs, such as Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae. This work might help in further studies on population genetics of V. plicata, in order to guide conservation actions in the future and also to promote further investigations about speciation processes of inselberg specialists.