Morphological characterization of Lasia spinosa (L.) Thw.: Screening of indigenous crop genetic resources for future food and nutritional security

Lasia spinosa (L.) Thw. is considered as a high potential indigenous vegetable in Sri Lanka due to its rich medicinal and nutritional properties though the crop has not gained wider consumer attraction. While it depicts a wide range of morphological variation, proper studies and documentations are not available. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the diversity of L. spinosa in 18 agro-ecological regions in Sri Lanka. A descriptor was developed and the morphological characters were observed, measured and documented in the field accordingly. Data were analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis. Sixty-eight accessions collected were grouped into four main clusters mainly based on leaf characters (sagittate type, lamina-dissected type, mixed form and black lasia) and to several sub clusters. We were able to collect a spineless L. spinosa type, grouped under sagittate type, from Sri Lanka. The spineless type can be considered as superior germplasm, which could be a valuable resource in future breeding programs.