# Intra-specific genetic diversity, phylogenetic analysis and ecological preferences of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth., across Nigeria based on rbcL dataset

## TL;DR

This paper studies the genetic diversity and ecological preferences of the African oil bean tree in Nigeria using the rbcL gene.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the genetic structure and distribution of P. macrophylla across Nigeria.

## Key findings

- The rbcL dataset reveals distinct genetic diversity patterns among P. macrophylla accessions.
- Phylogenetic analysis shows relationships between accessions from different agro-ecological zones.
- Ecological preferences are linked to the distribution of P. macrophylla in Nigeria.

## Abstract

Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth., commonly referred to as “African oil bean”; is a leguminous tree species that belongs to the subfamily Caesalpinioideae of the family Fabaceae and it is native to the dry tropical rainforest forest of West to Central Africa. It is widely used as a resource for food, medicine, firewood, construction, arts, and craft and particularly of socio-economic and cultural value to indigenous people of southern, Nigeria. Despite its significant potential, it is considered underutilized in the aspect of research attention and global trade. The dataset highlights the distribution pattern, genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationship, and ecological preferences of P. macrophylla accessions collected across the various agro-ecological zones in Nigeria where it is distributed, using the Ribulose 1,5 Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase (rbcL) gene.