Genetic relationship analyses of oil-bearing roses in China using matK sequences

► It is the first time for the classification and relationship analyses of oil-bearing roses to be done in China. ► Some wild rose species of oil value in China grouped with oil-bearing rose cultivars introduced from abroad, indicating there may be introgression of the wild species in the formation of the cultivars. ► Oil-bearing roses in China could got basic classification with matK gene, especially among cultivars and some wild oil species, which demonstrates the use of matK gene for solving the horticultural problem as cultivar affiliation is considered to be suitable. ► The results as shown in this study will play a critical role in the future variety identification, development and breeding of oil-bearing roses.