Ploidy level determination of Hedera (Araliaceae) with an emphasis on discussable species (Hedera hibernica)

Abstract

Genome size is a helpful tool for circumscribing taxa at diverse taxonomic degrees (mostly species) and resolving intricate low-level taxonomies. The correct genome size in Hedera (Araliaceae) has long been discussed, and the ploidy levels of some taxa are still unclear. Twelve accessions of Hedera were measured via flow cytometry. Flow cytometry is a relatively rapid, inexpensive, and credible tool. Fresh leaves of Hedera samples and internal reference standard parsley (Petroselinum crispum) were stained with propidium iodide (PI). Flow cytometry measurements showed that for the accessions of 2CV (3.09 - 6.40 pg), the lowest amount of nuclear DNA was 3.09 pg for Hedera crebrescens (So), while the highest amount was 6.40 pg for H. hibernica “Hamilton,” representing a statistically significant difference. According to this study, the new taxon (H. crebrescens) is a diploid, though this taxon was previously considered H. hibernica (tetraploid).