Comparison of Citrus tachibana Collected in Nara and Neighboring Prefectures by Gene Analysis

Abstract

Citrus tachibana (Makino) Tanaka is a Citrus species peculiar to Japan and is expected to be useful for health foods, processed foods, and cosmetics as well as Kampo medicines. However, Citrus species can cross easily and its taxonomy and phylogeny are complicated. In this study, we performed DNA analyses of C. tachibana collected in Nara and neighboring prefectures. Phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region provides insight into the genetic relationship of these C. tachibana plants. They were closely related except Tachibanadera Temple (planting memorial tree for Shinzan-Shiki) and Kofukuji Temple, and C. tachibana collected in Nara were not a cross except Tachibanadera Temple (planting memorial tree for Shinzan-Shiki).