Somaclonal Variation in Carnations

The carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a semi-hardy perennial with branching stems, bearing linear, glaucous leaves in opposite and decussate pairs. Each stem forms a terminal flower and the inflorescence is a loose cyme. The flowering shoot can be treated for marketing in one of two forms: either the flower buds formed on short lateral shoots arising from the axils of the upper leaves are removed to leave one large, terminal flower on a long leafy stem (“standard” type), or the terminal flower bud is removed at an early stage to encourage more even development of the lateral flowers, which then produce a multiple-flowered stem (“spray” or “miniature” types). Special cultivars have been selected for spray production.