Salvia nemorosa is widely distributed in different parts of Iran, while, there is no information about its population genetic structure and genetic diversity. The current information of its potential protection or conservation status in Iran is almost absent and unclear. Our investigation was the first molecular study of this medicinal species. We performed analysis of genetic variability and population structure of 11 populations of S. nemorosa in Iran using ISSR technique. We revealed intra and inter-population genetic diversity in the studied populations. Genetic parameters widely varied among the studied populations and confirmed their high genetic diversity. Moreover, AMOVA test showed significant molecular variation among and within the populations. The arrangement of populations and their individuals in NJ tree, PCA and MDS plots was in agreement with AMOVA results and individuals of five groups were overlapped. The Nm value showed low amount of gene flow among the populations. Based on STRUCTURE analysis and UPGMA tree of genetic distance, six genetic groups were identified among the studied populations, while two populations had significant differences and could be definite as ecotypes.

Salvia multicaulis is a widespread species of Lamiaceae family in Iran. There are many discussions about its infraspecific variations. Although some varieties were definite for this species in various parts of the world, no infraspecific taxon was reported in Iran and all samples of this species were named as S. multicaulis. In this study, morphological characteristics of S. multicaulis populations, naturally growing in Iran, was examined. Twenty-two traits were examined in 94 individuals of this species to identify their phenotypic difference. Most of the investigated features were showing a high degree of variability, but it was highly pronounced for some characteristics such as basal leaf shape, basal leaf width, basal leaf length/ width ratio and basal petiole length. Significant positive/negative correlations were observed between some morphological variables. Furthermore, significant negative correlations were found between the eastern distribution of populations with basal leaf petiole length and basal leaf length/ width ratio. Based on the UPGMA cluster analysis, populations were divided into two main branches. The first branch contained four populations, while the second branch was bigger and clustered in two sub-branches. In one of them, three populations and in another one the rest populations arranged in two groups. CA joined plot confirmed that each of studied populations or group of populations had distinct morphological trait(s), which were useful in identification of them. Our findings supported population no. 13 had unique morphological traits such as the largest bracts and basal leaf petiole, highest flower number of each inflorescence cycle, widest and largest calyx. The conservation of the highly diverse populations of Iranian S. multicaulis is recommended.