Natural hybridization between Amyema pendulum and Amyema quandang, Loranthaceae.

Abstract

Natural, interspecific hybridization between two species of Amyema (Loranthaceae) has been further investigated using morphometric and biochemical analyses. Metric characteristics of mature leaves place the hybrids in an intermediate position between the two parental species. Thin-layer chromatography of polyphenols, in one and two dimensions, revealed a high level of uniformity of chromatographic pattern within the two species which were clearly distinct from each other. There was some variation in the chromatographic patterns produced by the hybrid group, although all bands or spots could be attributed to one or other of the parent species. The evidence presented supports the conclusion that plants of A. pendulum and A. quandang have produced a group of first-generation hybrids. This is a rare phenomenon within the Loranthaceae.