Characterization Descriptors for Lithuanian Lophospermum Cultivars

Abstract

Creeping gloxinia (Lophospermum D. Don) belongs to the cosmopolitan family Plantaginaceae and comes from the Mexican mountains. Many members of this family are highly ornamental and commonly planted in gardens. Several representatives of this family (such as Angelonia, Bacopa, and Antirrhinum...) are now widely grown as ornamental plants. It is relatively rare in Lithuanian gardens. Only a limited number of cultivars are commercially available.A collection of lophospermum‘s including wild species, was established at the University of Aleksandras Stulginskis, Lithuania. Interspecific hybridization among species of Lophospermum offers the potential for new cultivars and desirable ornamental characteristics. Several interspecific crosses performed between different wild species (L. erubescens D. Don, L. scandens D. Don and L. purpusii (Brandegee) Rothm.) and intergeneric crosses with Rhodochiton atrosanguineus (Zucc.) Rothm. Backcrossing of the F1 hybrids resulted in a number of flower colors enhancing the ornamental value of the genus, new hybrids and cultivars were developed, and descriptor of morphological and decorative traits of were prepared. The observations were performed when the plants were completely developed, at the beginning of flowering. 20 plants or their parts were evaluated.