All Roses Were Once Yellow: A Genomic Analysis Reveals the Truth
2025-05-01
A groundbreaking genomic analysis reveals that all roses—red, white, pink, and peach—descended from a single-petaled yellow rose. Researchers from Beijing Forestry University sequenced the genomes of 205 rose samples, tracing the genus's evolutionary history and geographic distribution. Their findings point to an ancestor with seven leaflets and a single whorl of yellow petals. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of rose evolution but also opens new avenues for breeding more resilient and low-maintenance rose varieties, aiding in the conservation of endangered species.
(phys.org)