Study of distribution and dynamics of hybrid dandelions in Western Japan based on a research by collaboration with citizens

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Based on a study by collaboration with citizens, 61% of apparent Taraxacum officinale(an extotic dandelion) and 31% of apparent T. laevigatum in Western Japan were hybrids with Japanese dandelions. There were areas with high hybrid ratios even in the regions where very few native dandelions were distributed. Molecular genetic analysis showed high genetic diversity in hybrid populations, which suggested frequent hybridization. On the other hand, there were little evidence of hybridization within mixed populations of native and exotic species. The results suggested that hybridization within populations and/or local areas were less frequent than immigration of hybrids from other populations or areas.