Title of article :
The Forgotten Myrtle of the Alhambra Gardens of Granada: Restoring and Authenticating World Heritage
Author/Authors :
De la Herrán ، R. - University of Granada , Casares ، M. - University of Granada , Robles ، F. - University of Granada , Tito ، J. Botanical Garden of the University of Granada , Navajas-Pérez ، R. - University of Granada , Molina-Luzón ، M. J. - University of Granada , de los Reyes Gonzalez-Tejero ، M. - University of Granada , Sola-Campoy ، P. J. - University of Granada , Gutiérrez-Guerrero ، A. - University of Granada , Ruiz-Rejón ، J. C. - University of Granada
Abstract :
In the Alhambra (Granada, Spain), and in other Moorish locations, several individuals of the original variety of myrtle, the emblematic plant of their gardens, have been identified and genetically authenticated. After microsatellite analysis, we differentiated between the wild form (Myrtus communis L.) and two cultivated varieties: the one original to the Alhambra, the Moorish myrtle (subsp. baetica), and the variety introduced in more modern times (subsp. tarentina). The genetic and morphological differences between these two varieties confirm the taxonomic distinctness of the subsp. baetica. With very few individuals known, this Moorish myrtle is on the verge of extinction. The genetic identification offers the opportunity to restore a key element of this 14thcentury garden and enhance the authenticity of a World Heritage site.
Keywords :
Alhambra , Microsatellite , Mirtus communis , Subspecies , Taxon
Journal title :
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Journal title :
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
