Genetic Identity of Old Camellia 'Uraku' Trees Existing in Japan

Abstract

The genetic identity of old Camellia 'Uraku' trees, growing in various locations in Japan, was assessed by RAPD analysis. Four camellia varieties and two seedlings of 'Uraku' were easily distinguishable from 'Uraku' by RAPD analysis, using 51 of 12-mer arbitrary primers. Genetic monomorphism was recognized among the seven lines of old 'Uraku' trees and 'Koshikibu' which was growing at Chofukuji Temple in Kyoto. Seemingly, these old 'Uraku' trees and 'Koshikibu' are clonal strains which proliferated more than 400 years ago by vegetative propagation.