Hybrids between <i>Rubus caesius</i> and <i>Rubus</i> sect. <i>Corylifolii</i> (Rosaceae) and their relation to <i>R. cyclomorphus</i> , <i>R. tiliaster</i> , <i>R. glauciformis</i> , <i>R. slesvicensis</i> and <i>R. firmus</i>

Using flow cytometry and microsatellite DNA analysis (MSDA), we studied hybrids between Rubus caesius various other species, with an emphasis on Sweden. We show that sect. Corylifolii arise easily. They a large variation in morphology, but can normally be recognised by number of characters. are typically hexaploids, ~13% the pentaploids ~8% tetraploids. With MSDA, they harder to identify than R. idaeus, partly because all species have themselves arisen from therefore share many alleles caesius, hybridisation seems give rise some regions. Hybrids much rarer Sweden only identified one such case. cyclomorphus tiliaster not proper apomictic at least Sweden, rather collection genetically unrelated raduloides or camptostachys. MSDA slesvicensis firmus shows these problematic. two distinct taxa, Skåne which describe as new ruboculus another neighbourhood Viborg Schleswig, although latter is probably identical s.s. All samples form diverse group putative three different ploidy levels. glauciformis uniform Småland, Öland Blekinge, becomes distinguish Skåne. conclude once idaeus properly identified, along small (often local distribution), genus does pose any serious taxonomical problems