This paper reviews the use of purple/green coleoptiles in wheat variety description, the identification of the anthocyanidins and anthocyanins of the purple coleoptile, its genetics and association with other characteristics.The geographical distribution of 902 Old World local varieties or their selections with purple or green coleoptile were investigated . It appears that there is no clear distribution although in some regions only varieties with green coleoptile occur . It is possible that each of the 3 Re loci has a special geographical distribution which has not been investigated yet .