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Genomic Breakthrough Reveals All Roses Were Once Yellow, Scientists Discover in Groundbreaking Study

It is plausible that the ancestral rose possessed yellow, unmarked petals and leaves divided into seven distinct leaflets. (Image credit: Anna Shvets)

Introduction to the Genomic Study of Roses

A large-scale genomic study conducted by researchers at Beijing Forestry University suggests that the iconic red rose, a symbol of love, may have originally exhibited yellow pigmentation. All rose varieties—including white, pink, red and peach—are classified under the genus Rosa in the Rosaceae family.

Unraveling the Ancestral Origins of Roses

Genomic Analysis of Rose Lineages

Genomic analysis reconstructing ancestral traits indicates that all rose lineages originate from a common ancestor—a single-petaled, yellow-flowered plant with seven leaflets.

The results have been published in Nature Plants.

Evolution of Roses and Their Significance

Roses, which account for nearly 30% of global cut flower sales, are the most extensively cultivated ornamental plants, domesticated over time to align with the aesthetic tastes of different eras.

The Rise of Rose Breeding and Modern Cultivation

The Rose Breeding Renaissance in the 1700s

The rose breeding renaissance of the 1700s began with the hybridization of ancient wild Chinese roses and traditional European cultivars, selectively bred to enhance desirable traits.

The Current Diversity in Rose Varieties

Today's rose portfolio—spanning 150-200 wild species and over 35,000 human-cultivated varieties—exhibits remarkable floral diversity in bloom timing, fragrance and hue;yet, in response to mounting climate pressures, breeders are now prioritizing drought resilience, disease tolerance and low-maintenance robustness alongside ornamental traits.

The Role of Wild Roses in Breeding Resilient Varieties

Leveraging Genetic Resources for Breeding Hardy Cultivars

Drawing upon the genetic resources of wild rose varieties, which are prized for their fragrance and resilience to disease, offers an effective approach to breeding hardy, low-maintenance cultivars.

The evolutionary and geographical history of the Rosa genus has been revealed through genome sequencing of 205 samples representing 84 species. (Credit: Nature Plants (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41477-025-01955-5)

Understanding the Evolutionary Trajectory of Roses

A Comprehensive Approach to studying the Rosa Genus

An in-depth knowledge of the Rosa genus's origins and evolutionary trajectory—spanning both wild and cultivated species—will significantly enhance breeding initiatives while also providing essential insights for the preservation of near-threatened rose varieties.

The Study's Methodology and Analysis

With this objective in mind, the researchers gathered 205 samples from over 80 Rosa species, representing 84% of the documented taxa in the Flora of China.

The collected samples were subsequently subjected to genomic sequencing, population genetics, and other analytical techniques to trace their ancestral traits.

Insights into the Ancestral Traits of Roses

Identification of Conserved Genetic Markers

A set of 707 single-copy, identified as conserved genetic markers, such as single-nucleotide polymorphism (The most prevalent form of genetic variation in DNA), enabled the researchers to delineate the evolutionary and geographical lineage, as well as the interconnections between rose species.

Traits of the Shared Ancestor of Roses

Ancestral trait analysis indicated that the shared ancestor of the examined samples was a yellow-flowered rose characterized by a single row of petals and leaves segmented into seven leaflets. Over time, as the roses evolved and were domesticated, they developed a broader range of colours, distinct petal patterns and the capacity to bloom in clusters.

New Insights into the Origin of the Rosa Genus

Rethinking the Hypothesis of Rosa Genus Origin

This study provides novel insights into the widely accepted hypothesis that the Rosa genus originated in Central Asia, suggesting instead that China harbours two principal centres of rose diversity. The first is found in the dry northwest, where yellow roses with small leaves dominate and the second in the warm, humid southwest, home to the fragrant white variety.

Implications for Future Rose Breeding

Utilizing Wild Rosa Resources for Breeding Innovations

The researchers emphasize that these results lay a robust foundation for the utilization of wild Rosa resources, offering potential for the re-domestication and innovative breeding of contemporary rose cultivars.

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