Insights into the origin and identity of National New Zealand Flax Collection plants from simple sequence repeat (SSR) genotyping

Abstract

Fifty-five accessions from the National New Zealand Flax Collection were subjected to genotyping using eight nuclear and two plastid simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and compared with a selection of predominantly wild Phormium plants. Several groups of plants with different names but identical SSR genotypes were found and these largely correspond with groups previously identified by analysis of their morphology. Maori cultivars are genetically diverse and include plants with interspecific (Phormium tenax ) Phormium cookianum) hybrid origin. Genotyping supports historical and archaeological evidence that Phormium was taken to the subantarctic islands from southern New Zealand by sealers, and probably from the Chatham Islands by Maori and Moriori. As well as such tests of relatedness among Phormium selections, our markers provide opportunities to study the process of speciation, evolution and interspecific hybridization in Phormium.

Ethnobotany: major developments of a discipline abroad, reflected in New Zealand

“…For example, one study in particular looked at the growth and weaving quality characteristics of a number of varieties at sites across the country (Harris et al 2005). Phylogenetic studies have looked at the origin and relationship between harakeke plant cultivars (Buck 1924;McBreen et al 2003;Scheele & Smissen 2010). Another phylogenetic study tested theories on the dispersal of hue (Clarke et al 2006).…”

Coumarins in Phormium (New Zealand Flax) Fibers: Their Role in Fluorescence and Photodegradation

“…Phormium has a plethora of morphological and genetic forms (19), including hybrids of the two species ( Phormium tenax and Phormium cookianum ). Three traditional cultivars, namely Mawaru, Potaka and Tapamangu, known to be different genotypes (20), were selected for study. An improved knowledge of the coumarins and their possible role in photosensitizing damage in Phormium is expected to contribute to the elucidation of the mechanisms for the photoyellowing of important lignocellulosic materials, such as wood and paper.…”