Pseudohybridization
Pseudohybridization refers to a phenomenon observed in certain plant species where two distinct taxa appear to interbreed, producing offspring that resemble hybrids, but the parent species themselves are not considered true hybrids. Unlike genuine hybridization, which involves the crossing of two distinct species or genera that can produce fertile offspring, pseudohybridization typically occurs due to morphological or phenotypic similarities between unrelated species, often leading to mistaken identification.
This process is most commonly documented in flowering plants, particularly within the families Asteraceae (composite family)
Pseudohybridization can complicate taxonomic studies, as the presence of these offspring may mislead researchers into believing
While pseudohybridization does not contribute to evolutionary change in the same way true hybridization does, it