Glyptostrobus pensilis (Cupressaceae) is a critically endangered conifer which occurs in China, Laos, and Vietnam where it is only known from a few populations. Here we aim to develop microsatellite markers which can be used to study the genetic variation within this species. Using transcriptome data we tested 170 SSR loci for polymorphism in 16 samples. Twenty-three loci were polymorphic and selected for the genetic analysis of 83 individuals from three Chinese populations. The number of alleles per locus and population ranged from one to eight, the observed and expected heterozygosity from Ho = 0.00-1.00 and He = 0.00-0.83, respectively. Fifteen loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in at least one of the three populations. The majority of loci could also be successfully amplified in four related species, namely Cryptomeria fortunei, Taxodium distichum, Taxodium ascendens and Cunninghamia lanceolata. These developed microsatellites are suitable for population genetic studies of Glyptostrobus pensilis and related species.
