News » 20.05.2025 - China: Researchers find that red roses were once yellow

The story of the rose is one of beauty, evolution, and mystery. Researchers in China have made a groundbreaking discovery that traces the modern red rose back to a 30-million-year-old yellow ancestor. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary journey of one of the world's most beloved flowers.

An extensive genetic analysis conducted by French and Dutch scientists has unraveled this botanical mystery, offering new insights into rose breeding practices, especially in the face of climate change. As roses continue to captivate hearts worldwide, understanding their origins may revolutionize how we cultivate them in the future.

Throughout history, the rose has been a symbol of beauty and love, captivating people across continents. As researchers delved into its origins, they discovered that the rose's history stretches back 30 million years. For years, scientists from Beijing Forestry University have been on a quest to uncover the ancient roots of this flower. They have conducted genetic analyses, field investigations, and fossil studies to piece together an evolutionary tree of the rose family.

Historical records suggested that roses were first cultivated in imperial gardens in China, as mentioned by Confucius. The recent study confirmed this, revealing that rose cultivation began around 5,000 years ago in China. The study also highlighted that many of today's popular rose varieties are hybrids with Chinese species. During the late eighteenth century, the rose underwent significant changes as European and Chinese cultivars were engineered to enhance traits like fragrance and color.
 

Source: www.floraldaily.com

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