Chinese scientists claim that this is not red, but real roses (Freepik)
The red rose flower was said to be the largest identity of love in poetry, songs and poems. But scientists now have questioned this 'red rose' tale. New studies by Chinese and Dutch scientists indicate that the original or ancient type of rose was yellow and not red. That is, what we believed to be the red identity of love for all these centuries is nothing but a transformed picture of nature.
As per this study in the journal Nature Plants, the initial rose species not only was yellow but also had petals in a single layer. Very normal but unique in its own way. Now science is also explaining how this color-altering tale of the rose began and why nowadays we have this flower in such a variety of shapes and hues.
In this research, genetic study of over 200 varieties of roses has been conducted. It is said through research that roses had their origins in Central Asia and started cultivation in China around 5,000 years ago. The roses we have today, which have colored petals, scent and capacity to bloom repeatedly, are indeed the outcome of cross-breeding of European and Chinese roses.
Scientists have labeled two locations in China as the hub of rose diversity. The first is northwest China, where yellow-flowered and small-leaved roses are present. The second is southwest China, where white and scented rose species are present.
The majority of the roses that are present in the market today have genetic origins linked to just 8 to 10 wild species. This has restricted the gene pool of these flowers. According to scientists, if we need roses to battle climate change and disease, then we must recycle wild rose varieties. Scientists working on the research have stated that this research can be a strong base for creating new varieties of roses in the future. With this, not only will we be capable of cultivating lovely roses, but also flowers that can thrive with minimal attention.
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