The genetic diversity among the genus Viola was evaluated using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method. A total of 142 distinct amplification fragments by 18 random primers were scored to perform the cluster analysis with UPGMA. Viola species from the subsection Patellares were clustered into group I to IV. The groups from I to IV were consistent with its morphological taxonomy, series Pinnatae, Chinensis, Variegatae, and Patellares in the subsection Patellares, respectively. Even though V. albida and V. albida var. takahasii were classified in Chinensis, they were assigned into group I. The cluster analysis separated other subsections from Patellares in the section Nomimium. Interestingly, V. verecunda and V. grypoceras in subsections Biobatae and Trigonocarpae, respectively, were clustered into group C with a high similarity coefficient. Therefore, RAPD analysis can be used for providing an alternative classification system to identify genotypes and morphological characters of Viola species.

• Boung-Jun Oh
• Moon-Kyung Ko
• Cheol-Hee Lee