ISSN:
1615-6110
Keywords:
Angiosperms
;
Cactaceae
;
Echinocereus
;
Natural hybridization
;
systematics
;
dioecy
;
flavonoids
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The origin ofEchinocereus ×lloydii Britt. & Rose, pro sp. (Lloyd's Hedgehog Cactus) was investigated using comparative morphology, cytology, biochemistry, and particularly, artificial hybridization. Numerous artificial crosses between the putative parentsE. coccineus Engelm. (a species of claret-up cactus) andE. dasyacanthus Engelm. (Texas Rainbow Cactus) were successful, resulting in the production of hundreds of seeds with hybrid embryos. The F1 hybrid progeny (i.e., syntheticE. ×lloydii) grew to sexual maturity in about four and one-half years, whereupon successful backcrosses and F2 generation hybrids were also obtained. The known F1 hybrids closely approximated naturalE. ×lloydii. The fertility of these syntheticE. ×lloydii was high, like their natural counterparts. The populations ofE. ×lloydii in Pecos County, Texas are inferred to have originated as the result of natural interspecific hybridization. It is assumed thatE. ×lloydii or similar plants may arise wherever the parental taxa grow sympatrically.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00937985
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