| Abstract: | This paper deals with chromosomal numbers and morphology of 10 species
of Aconitum in China. According to the basic number of the genus (x=8), these species can be referred to diploid, tetraploid, hexaploid and octoploid. Correlation is found
between chromosomal numbers, sizes and structures. The perennial species with a rhizome
are mostly diploid, with chromosomes larger than those in the biennial species with a
tuber, and their chromosome pairs 3-7 are mostly subterminal ones, whereas most
biennial species are polyploid, and their chromosome pairs 3-7 are almost submetacentric. The evolutionary trends of chromosome from diploid to polyploid, large to small,
st to sm are considered possible. The data are agreed with the idea that rhizomal species
are more primitive than tuberous ones. The existence of two types of karyotypes in
these 10 species is a further support of taxonomic division of two subgenera, subgen.
Paraconitum and subgen. Aconitum. In addition, some species are taxonomically discussed. |
