The genus Echeveria groups several species of succulent plants present in diverse environments. They are found in nature in habitats with shallow rocky soils, steep slopes, canyons, and rocks with little depth and humidity. Practically all species of the genus are of economic interest as ornamental plants, being very common in collections of Crassulaceae. Specimens found in collections are species and hybrids of the interspecific and intergeneric type. However, many are still unidentified.
There are difficulties in the taxonomy of the genus due to the lack of specimens in herbaria and the absence of molecular studies, which could provide valuable information, both for taxonomy and for cytogenetic studies and others of interest in plant breeding for commercial use. This review compiles information on what is known for the genus in terms of karyotyping, genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy, floral morphology, reproductive biology, pollination, plant breeding, and biotechnological and molecular applications, the foregoing focused on providing future perspectives for plant breeding in Crassulaceae.
In Echeveria, it would be of great importance to carry out molecular studies in order to expand the current information on the taxonomy of the genus and the application of biotechnological techniques that support genetic improvement programs.
Read the complete research at www.researchgate.net.
Zuñiga Orozco, Andres & Gonzalez, Ayerin. (2021). Echeveria (Crassulaceae): Potential for Genetic Improvement as an Ornamental. 25. 57-81.