Breeding Leucospermum hybrids for potted flowering plant production, landscape uses and for cutflower production in the tropics; genetic factors contributing to plant architecture

Protea research at the University of Hawaii has produced over 100 cultivars primarily for cutflower cropping at both temperate elevations, up to 1500 m, and tropical climates near sea level in Hawaii. Some hybrids have been identified for suitability as landscape specimens and more recently cultivars have been evaluated for suitability as potted flowering plants. Some hybrids were simple primary crosses, while others were complex hybrids with up to 11 species in their genealogy, sometimes representing 4 taxonomic sections. Data linking the composition of taxonomic sections in the genealogy of hybrids with their market suitability for potted flowering plants, landscape plants and cutflower stock for tropical climates will be presented.