A plant is said to be a chimera when cells of more than one genotype genetic makeup are found growing adjacent in the tissues of that plant. Variegated plants are perhaps the most common types of chimeras, and certainly the most convenient example to use in presenting the basic concept. The cells in a variegated leaf all originated in the apical meristem of the shoot, but some cells are characterized by the inability to synthesize chlorophyll. These appear white rather than green even though they are components of the same tissue system. Many important selections of foliage, floricultural, and landscape plants are chimeras. Cornus alba Argenteo Marginata, Vinca minor Variegata, Ajuga reptans Burgundy Glow, and many selections of Hosta, Diffenbachia, Peperomia, Chlorophytum, and Saintpaulia are but a few of the chimeras which have variegated foliage.

Website: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/tisscult/chimeras/chimeralec/chimeras.html