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We estimate gene flow and patterns of genetic diversity in Albizia lebbeck, an invasive leguminous tree in the dry forest of southwestern Puerto Rico. Genetic diversity estimates calculated for 10 populations of 24 trees each indicated that these populations may have been formed from multiple introductions. The presence of unique genotypes in the northernmost populations suggests that novel genotypes are still immigrating into the area. This combination of individuals from disparate locations led to high estimates of genetic diversity (H e ¼ 0.266, P ¼ 0.67). Indirect estimates of gene flow indicate that only 0.69 migrants per generation move between populations, suggesting that genetic diversity within populations should decrease due to genetic drift. Since migration-drift equilibrium was not found, however, this estimate needs to be viewed with caution. The regular production of pods in this outcrossing species (t m ¼ 0.979) indicates that sufficient outcross pollen is received to insure successful reproduction. Direct estimates of gene flow indicate that between 44 and 100% of pollen received by trees in four small stands of trees (no11) was foreign. The role of gene flow in facilitating the spread of this invasive plant species is discussed. Heredity (2005) 94, 418-425.

We examined the impact of habitat fragmentation on gene flow in populations of the neotropical tree Bursera simaruba. In particular, we compared the effectiveness of three common techniques to estimate gene flow in the context of a highly disturbed system. Paternity analysis on emerging seedlings from eight small (N = 3 to 9) stands of trees showed that between 45% and 100% of seedlings were sired from outside their stand, indicating pollen moved readily over the isolation distances examined. Based on six populations of 21-24 trees each, estimates of allozyme genetic diversity (P(s) = 73.3%; H(e) = 0.244) were higher than those reported for species with similar life history traits. Indirect, F(ST)-based gene flow estimates for these six populations yielded an estimate of 3.57 migrants per generation, although possible violations of model assumptions limit the reliability of the estimate. A twogener analysis showed pollen moved either 320 m or 361 m and that there were only 2.46 effective pollen donors per maternal tree. Despite the potential for long-distance pollen movement, seed abortion was high, especially in stands with fewer than four trees. Population size, rather than isolation distance, appears to limit reproduction in the populations examined.

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