Isolation and characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci in Illicium verum (Schisandraceae)

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for Illicium verum, a member of the basal angiosperms. The observed number of alleles per locus ranged from two to nine. The observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.10 to 1.00 and 0.097 to 0.85, respectively. Twelve loci were screened in cross-amplification tests for three other Illicium species, in which all loci were successfully amplified. These newly developed microsatellite markers could provide a useful tool for the ongoing efforts in studying the population genetic variation of I. verum, which will facilitate formulation of appropriate strategies for conservation and sustainable utilization of star anise and its congeneric species.