Genetic and morphological analysis of the origin and identity of perennialLavatera (Malvaceae) cultivars

Knowledge of the origin of Lavatera L. (tree mallows) cultivars helps to pr edict their cultural requirements. Eighteen accessions representing 15 cult ivars, 14 accessions of 7 species, and 5 accessions of an F-1 hybrid betwee n the putative parents of the cultivars were sampled for morphological vari ation and for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprint variati on. Species-specific molecular markers were identified from the RAPD profil es. Chimeral elements were not distinguishable by RAPD analysis. Principal component analysis identified the majority of the cultivars to be selection s of hybrid origin, probably from a narrow genetic base. Two cultivars were derived directly from individual species. The resolving power of RAPD mark ers and morphology was similar although RAPD data offered greater ability t o ascribe parentage while morphology offered optimal discrimination of cult ivar selections.