Intergeneric hybridization between Elachanthemum intricatum (Franch.) Ling et Ling and Opisthopappus taihangensis (Y. Ling) C. Shih

Intergeneric hybridizations were produced between Elachanthemum intricatum (Franch.) Ling et Ling and Opisthopappus taihangensis (Y. Ling) C. Shih without emasculation. About 12 and 16 % seed settings were obtained in reciprocal hybridizations. 17 seedlings germinated from 183 seeds from Elachanthemum intricatum (Franch.) Ling et Ling as female parent and 13 seedlings germinated from 109 seeds of Opisthopappus taihangensis (Y. Ling) C. Shih as female parent. 14 and 8 plants survived to maturity respectively. Only one progeny from Elachanthemum intricatum (Franch.) Ling et Ling in these hybridizations was found to be a true hybrid from the morphological characteristics and sequences of nrDNA ITS. The leaves of this new hybrid show some conspicuous intermediate features. The new hybrid has 5–8 mini ray female florets in the outer row of capitula. It is perennial just like its paternal parent (Opisthopappus) in contrast to its biennial maternal parent (Elachanthemum).