The hybrid origin of ce:italic>Potamogeton biwaensis/ce:italic> Miki, an endemic submerged plant in Lake Biwa, Japan

摘要

Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan, and is known to have an ancient origin. The flora and fauna of this lake are characterized by high levels of endemism.Potamogeton biwaensisMiki (Potamogetonaceae) is one of two macrophyte species endemic to Lake Biwa. In the present study, we concluded based on DNA evidence thatP. biwaensisis a hybrid betweenP. wrightiiandP. maackianus. Recently, the populations ofP. biwaensishave declined, and continuous monitoring is important for the conservation of this endemic macrophyte.