Chloroplast DNA variation within individual trees of a Pinusbanksiana–Pinusconforta sympatric region

We have studied chloroplast DNA variation within six individual trees of a Pinusbanksiana–P. contorta sympatric region. In each of four trees, chloroplast DNA variation occurred in needle samples obtained from different parts of the crown. It is unclear whether this within-individual variation is due to somatic mutation or to occasional biparental chloroplast DNA inheritance. However, the data provide evidence that variation within individuals may be an important source of genetic variability in sympatric regions of forest trees.