Development of interspecific hybrids between Habenaria radiata and Habenaria rhodocheila complex

Reciprocal crosses between Habenaria radiata and H. rhodocheila complex were investigated to develop new hybrids. The fruit-setting frequency and seed germination in the cross combination of H. radiata * H. rhodocheila complex were higher than those of H. rhodocheila complex * H. radiata. The hybridity of the obtained progenies was confirmed through PCR-RFLP analysis of the rRNA gene. Cross combinations producing true hybrids, apomicts, or both were observed, indicating that both H. radiata and H. rhodocheila complex were facultative apomixis. The obtained hybrids, H. radiata * H. rhodocheila (orange flower), showed the intermediate plant form and flower shape of the parents, and both petals and lip were pale yellow.