Abstract
The common Red flower Lasia spinosa (L.) and its rare Green flower form were investigated cytogenetically and at the molecular level by RAPD analysis to elucidate the taxonomic rank of the Green flower form. 2n=26 and 2n=28 chromosomes were found in the common Red flower form and the rare Green flower form, respectively. Two sub-metacentric chromosomes were present in the Green flower form. On the other hand, no sub-metacentric chromosome was found in the Red flower form. Two stain specific satellites were found in only the Red flower form. No CMA-band was found in the Red flower form. In contrast, 3 prominent CMA-positive bands were found in the Green flower form. The 2 forms showed distinct RAPD markers with 5 primer combinations. The 2 forms possessed characteristic karyotype and RAPD features, therefore do not support the view that the Green flower specimen may be considered a morphological form of Lasia spinosa.
