Study of natural hybridization between Alnus incana (L.) Moench. and Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.

Abstract

Variation of metric and qualitative characteristics of <i>A. incana</i> (L.) Moench. and <i>A. glutinosa</i> (L.) Gaertn. has been studied in 10 natural populations in West Siberia, Russia and the Czech Republic in connection with the problem of natural hybridization. Morphological peculiarities of the species and their spontaneous hybrids are shown. Twelve leaf characteristics were used, in addition, qualitative characteristics were assessed, such as: type of bark, degree of pubescence of leaves and stems, and presence of a &ldquo;tuft&rdquo; in the angles of leaf veins. The reasons for hybridization of these species are discussed.