Abstract

TREJO-HERNANDEZ, Laura; OLSON-ZUNICA, Mark E.  and  BYE-BOETTLER, Robert A.. Historical data and genetic diversity of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) in the Distrito Federal, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2015, vol.86, n.2, pp.478-485. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmb.2015.04.033.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima ) is one of the most economically and culturally important ornamental plants in the world because it is the floral symbol of Christmas. However, little is known about its domestication, genetic diversity and history. This paper analyses the genetic diversity of plants grown in gardens and parks of the Distrito Federal, Mexico, and we compare it with that found in wild populations to document the genetic diversity of poinsettia represented in the Distrito Federal and its relationship to the plant's origin. The plants found in the Distrito Federal are 2 genetic variants or haplotypes. One of these variants belongs to the state of Guerrero and the other belongs to a variant closely related to wild populations of Guerrero and Morelos. Historical documents show that since the Pre-Hispanic era, poinsettias were grown in central Mexico and in a manuscript from 1801 poinsettias are illustrated in the gardens of New Spain with modifications as compared to wild plants. The recognition of the genetic diversity of cultivated plants will allow the protection, sustainable management, conservation and genetic improvement of Mexican poinsettia germplasm.

Keywords : Cuetlaxochitl; History; Genetic diversity; Genealogy; Domestication; México City.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )