Species Differentiation in Tilia: A Genetic Approach

Tilia species are considered as European noble tree species. They are generally grown in association with other species but they never constitute pure stands in larger areas. They are important from the ecological, cultural and environmental perspectives. Tilia and their hybrids are among the most favourite avenue tree species in Europe. This study concentrates only on T. cordata, T. platyphyllos and their hybrid (T.x europaea). All three Tilia spp. seem similar in general outlook, however they are different in many morphological traits.Precise identification of the species is very difficult and misleading on the basis of morphological characteristics alone. Morphological traits are continuous, overlapping and highly influenced by locality factors whereas genetic traits are discriminating, non-overlapping and not effected by environment. This book provides detail descriptions about precise methods of species identification particularly in Tilia spp. however the concepts and methodology described might be useful for other plant species as well. Therefore, this book is expected to benefit the professionals involved in wider field of Forest Genetics and Systematic Botany.