Comparison of matK and rbcL DNA barcodes for genetic classification of jewel orchid accessions in Vietnam.

Background: Jewel orchid is the common name of several orchid species which can be alike in morphological characteristics, but variable in medicinal properties. At present, two DNA barcode loci, namely, maturase K (matK) and ribulose 1,5-biphosphate carboxylase (rbcL), are intensively utilized for plant identification. However, the discrimination effectiveness of these loci is variable among plant species.