| From a genetic viewpoint to distinguish whether the pod parent contributes more to a characteristic than the pollen parent requires that reciprocal crosses are made (A X B and B X A) and a large number of offspring are grown (in a randomized layout) and measurements taken and analyzed. A significant difference between the two F1s, AB versus BA, indicates (usually) a maternal effect. In most species chloroplasts (that make plant food) and mitochondria (that metabolize the food to provide energy) come from the pod parent only (but not all species, in some species the pollen parent contributes these solely or in others both parents contribute them). And both chloroplasts (and other plastids) and mitochondria have their own genes (DNA). They both reproduce just like plant cells. So both can have genetic variability and can differ between plants. That is one way offspring can have different characteristics that depend on the pod parent - because different pod parents may have different chloroplasts or mitochondria. Another way that offspring can differ based on the pod parent is due to the large contribution made by the pod parent to the seed. The seed affects the growth and characteristics of the offspring. In particular, the environment that the pod parent experiences can affect the characteristics the seedlings show. And such effects can last at least several generations. In some species these environmental effects may also influence the pollen and thus there can be a paternal difference present in the offspring. In practice most daylily hybridizers have found few if any reciprocal differences and typically are not concerned about which direction a cross is made other than with regard to pod and pollen fertility. | 
