Based on different molecular markers, AFLP, SSR, and RAPD molecular markers, We distinguish within Mediterranean cedars, two groups: the first one is made of Cedrus atlantica, while the second one is made of Cedrus libani and Cedrus brevifolia, these latter two species being genetically similar despite important divergence previously observed for morphological and physiological traits.

C. deodara, the Himalayan cedar constitutes a separate gene pool from the Mediterranean cedars. The

large genetic distances observed between C. deodara and Mediterranean cedars reflect the high geographical distance between these two regions and an ancient divergence between these taxa.