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Hybrid

/HY-brid/
🏷️ Taxonomy Basic

A plant resulting from cross-pollination between two different species, subspecies, or genera. Hybrids often exhibit heterosis (hybrid vigor), with improved characteristics compared to either parent. Denoted with a multiplication sign (×) in the scientific name.

Etymology

From Latin hybrida, meaning "mongrel, offspring of mixed parentage."

Example

Platanus × acerifolia (London plane) is a hybrid between the American sycamore and Oriental plane.

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