Artificial hybrids in Cryptocoryne (Araceae). 1. Hybridization between Sri Lankan species within the 2n = 28 chromosome group.

 

Niels Jacobsen & Marian Ørgaard

 

ABSTRACT

The Sri Lankan Cryptocoryne of the 2n = 28 chromosome group are among the most often-cultivated species of aquarium plants but despite this there have been many problems in identifying and delimiting these species. Here we show that hybridization and hybrids are widespread within the group, probably one of the reasons for causing identification problems of the cultivated plants. Artificial hybridization experiments show that the only major hybridization barrier is between C. nevillii and C. parva, and that the C. parva hybrids have a low pollen fertility, while the other Sri Lankan hybrids are fertile.

 

KEYWORDS

Araceae, chromosome numbers, Cryptocoryne, hybrids, natural and artificial hybridization, Sri Lanka