Cytotaxonomy of species of Vernonia, section Lepidaploa, group Axilliflorae (Asteraceae, Vernonieae)

Mitotic chromosomes of eight populations of six species of Vernonia sensu Baker (Asteraceae, Vernonieae, section Lepidaploa , group Axilliflorae ) were studied to assess the validity of maintaining the genus as proposed currently ( sensu Baker) or of splitting it into several smaller genera ( sensu Robinson). The species were collected in areas of 'cerrado' and 'campo rupestre' in southern and central-western Brazil. The chromosome numbers were 2 n  = 20–40 and karyotypic analysis showed a predominance of metacentric chromosomes, with some submetacentrics. B chromosomes were seen in one population of V. geminata . The chromosomes varied in length from 0.9 to 4.6 µm, with a total chromatin length of 29.7–45.0 µm and a symmetry index of 41.2–46.9%. The intrachromosomal asymmetry index varied from 0.13 to 0.29, and the interchromosomal asymmetry index varied from 0.15 to 0.21. The dispersion diagram showed that population 1 of V. geminata had the most asymmetrical karyotype. These results do not provide sufficient evidence for a conclusive cytotaxonomic discussion of Vernonia , mainly because of the impossibility of associating any infrageneric group with specific karyotypic characters, and also because of the small number of species analysed so far.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 154 , 99–108.     

Karyological notes on eight species of Achillea L. (Asteraceae, Santolinoideae) from Turkey

The chromosome number and morphology of eight species belonging to the section Santolinoideae of the genus Achillea L. (Asteraceae) were investigated using karyological techniques. The species studied were Achillea cucullata (Hausskn.) Bornm., A. vermicularis Trin., A. monocephala Boiss. & Bal., A. boissieri (Hausskn.) Bornm., A. santolina L., A. gypsicola Hub.-Mor., A. goniocephala Boiss. & Bal., and A. spinulifolia Fenzl ex Boiss. In these species, the chromosome numbers were 2 n  = 18 in A. vermicularis , A. monocephala , and A. boissieri , 2 n  = 18A + 1B in A. spinulifolia , 2 n  = 36 in A. cucullata and A. santolina , and 2 n  = 54 in A. gypsicola and A. goniocephala . All of the chromosomes had median point (M), median region (m), or submedian (sm) centromeres. An increase in asymmetry was not observed in the karyotypes of the species.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 573–580.     

Cytotaxonomy and geographic distribution of cytotypes of species of the South American genus Chrysolaena (Vernonieae,Asteraceae)

Understanding speciation and biodiversity patterns in plants requires knowledge of the general role of climate in allowing polyploids to escape competition and persist with their diploid progenitors. This is a particularly interesting issue in widespread species that present multiple ploidy levels and occur across a heterogeneous environment. Chrysolaena (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) is a cytogenetically very diverse genus, with significant interspecific and intraspecific ploidy level variation and with continuous distribution across South America. No previous studies have summarized chromosome count data of Chrysolaena or addressed the cytogeography of the genus. Ploidy level of Chrysolaena species was determined by chromosome counting during mitosis and/or meiosis; the geographic distribution of cytotypes was examined and the correlations between the distribution of particular cytotypes and current ecological conditions were evaluated. A total of 43 new chromosome counts and five ploidy levels (2x, 4x, 6x, 7x, 8x) were reported. The chromosome number of C. cordifolia (2n = 7x = 70) and a new cytotype for C. propinqua var. canescens (2n = 4x = 40) are reported for the first time. Three geographic areas with high diversity of cytotypes and species were detected. The results obtained do not suggest a clear distribution pattern that depends on climatic factors for Chrysolaena populations. However, a geographic pattern was identified in the distribution of ploidy levels, with diploid species presenting a more restricted distribution than polyploid species.     

Karyological studies on the Sino-Himalayan genus, Cremanthodiurn (Asteraceae: Senecioneae)

Twenty-two populations of seven species of Cremanthodium from high altitude regions of western China were observed karyologically. C. ellisii, C. microglossum, C. brunneo-pilosum, C. stenoglossum, C. discoideum and C. lineare all had the same chromosome number of 2 n = 58 whereas C. humile had 2 n = 60. All chromosome numbers of these species are documented here for the first time. The basic number of x = 30 is new for this genus. The karyotypes of all species belong to 2A type according to Stebbins' asymmetry classification of karyotypes. Two basic chromosome numbers, x = 30 and x = 29 in Cremanthodium , correspond exactly to two branching patterns in this genus, sympodial versus monopodial. The systematic and taxonomic statuses of the sympodial species need further study. The karyomorphological data provide no support to the sectional subdivision in Cremanthodium .     

Cytotaxonomic analysis of South American species of Vernonia (Vernonieae: Asteraceae)

Chromosome numbers in 48 populations belonging to 31 species of Vernonia from South America have been determined. First chromosome counts are reported for V. propinqua var. canescens (2 n = 20), V. sceptrum (2 n = 80), V. rufogrisea (2 n = 32), V. heringeri (2 n = 32), V. hovaefolia (2 n = 64), V. hystricosa (2 n = 128), V. obtusata (2 n = 64), V. pseudoincana (2 n = 32), V. rubricaulis var.◊ australis (2 n = 64) and V. rugulosa (2 n = 30). The basic chromosome numbers x = 10, 14, 15, 16 and 17 were confirmed for New World species of Vernonia . Together with previous records, these numbers suggest that the evolution of Vernonieae has occurred through a combination of polyploidy and aneuploidy. Taxonomic implications of certain counts are also discussed.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 139 , 401–408.     

Karyotype analysis and DNA content in some species of Chrysolaena (Vernonieae,Asteraceae)

Cytogenetic characterization by karyotyping and determination of DNA content by flow cytometry of five species of Chrysolaena (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) was performed. This is the first study of nuclear DNA content realized in the genus. The 2C-values were compared with the ploidy level and the total karyotype length (TKL) of each species. Mitotic analysis revealed a base chromosome number x = 10 for all entities and different ploidy levels, from diploid (2n = 2x = 20) to octoploid (2n = 8x = 80). All species showed bimodal karyotypes composed of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. The average chromosome size (ML) varied from 1.86 μm to 2.70 μm, while the TKL ranged from 18.65 μm to 80.55 μm. The intrachromosomal asymmetry index (A₁) varied from 0.27 to 0.38, while the interchromosomal asymmetry index (A₂) ranged from 0.19 to 0.25. A new cytotype is reported for the first time for C. propinqua. Accessory chromosomes found in C. verbascifolia, C. cognata, C. flexuosa, and C. propinqua are also reported as new.     

Cytotaxonomy of some species of the South American genus Lessingianthus (Asteraceae, Vernonieae)

Mitotic chromosome numbers of 32 populations belonging to 23 species of the genus Lessingianthus H.Rob. (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) were determined. The chromosome number of all examined plants was found to be based on x = 16. The numbers observed varied from 2n = 32 to 2n = 176. The results include the first report of the chromosome number for 11 species: L. lanatus (2n = 32), L. varroniifolius (2n = 32), L. cataractarum (2n = 64), L. intermedius (2n = 64), L. argenteus (2n = 96), L. centauropsideus (2n = 96), L. profusus (2n = 96), Lessingianthus sp. nov. 1 (2n = 96), Lessingianthus sp. nov. 2 (2n = 128), L. robustus (2n = 160), and L. macrocephalus (2n = 176). New chromosome numbers were found in the four other species: L. rubricaulis, L. laniferus, and L. sellowii were tetraploid with 2n = 64, while L. oxyodontus was hexaploid with 2n = 96. B chromosomes were observed in L. coriaceus and L. varroniifolius. Lessingianthus macrocephalus (2n = 11x = 176) is reported as the first case of an odd polyploid and the higher chromosome number of Lessingianthus. The significance of the results is discussed in relation to chromosomal data available for the genus.     

Diversity of non-glandular trichomes in subtribe Lychnophorinae (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) and taxonomic implications

Vernonieae is one of the major tribes in Asteraceae (subfamily Cichorioideae) with ca. 1,100 species placed into 129 genera. Currently, 21 subtribes are recognized in Vernonieae and one of them is Lychnophorinae, almost entirely endemic to Brazil, containing 11 genera and ca. 100 species. About 42 % of Lychnophorinae genera are monophyletic, reflecting the poorly understood relationships among the members of the group. Trichomes are one of the most useful anatomical characters to be used in angiosperm taxonomy; they are diverse, exist in many taxa and are not difficult to study. This work intends to illustrate non-glandular leaf trichome diversity in Lychnophorinae and discuss this diversity in the light of the subtribe’s taxonomy. Sampled material included 67 species of 11 genera. Macerations and free hand sections were performed to be analyzed in the light microscope and photographed. A phenogram was generated using a matrix with 67 terminals (species) and 18 characters coded as binary. The subtribe Lychnophorinae displays a great diversity of non-glandular trichomes (5 types and 18 subtypes). The present study reveals the great diversity of non-glandular trichomes in Lychnophorinae. While trichome complement is of little use to distinguish genera, it appears to be a valuable characteristic at a lower taxonomic level to identify closely morphologically related species.     

A new species of the Brazilian genus Chresta (Asteraceae, Vernonieae) from Bahia

A new species of the genus Chresta Vell. ex DC. (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) from the Brazilian state of Bahia is described and illustrated. The new species resembles Chresta pinnatifida (Philipson) H.Rob. but differs in having solitary glomerules, leaf bases clasping the stem and 35–40 capitula per glomerule. It can be distinguished from Chresta harleyii and Chresta martii , the other two species of the genus with pinnately lobed leaves, by the type of pubescence, leaf blade bases and florets number. In addition, a key to distinguish all the species of the genus is presented. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 157 , 587–590.     

Two new species of Lessingianthus (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) from the Brazilian highlands

Two additional species of Lessingianthus , L. bakerianus and L. lanuginosus , from the campo cerrado vegetation of central Brazil, are described and illustrated. The first species is characterized by the presence of capitula arranged in groups, nine to 12 florets per head, leaves sessile, oblong to ovate leaf blades with the lower surface densely lanate, sparsely villous on the main veins. It has certain resemblance to L. syncephalus (Sch. Bip. ex Baker) H. Rob. and L. brevipetiolatus (Sch. Bip. ex Baker) H. Rob., which present petiolate leaves and leaf blades lanceolate, cuneate or attenuate at the base. L. lanuginosus is superficially similar to L. buddleiifolius (Mart. ex DC.) H. Rob., but differs in having smooth stems, woolly indumentum, smaller heads and the largest leaves disposed at the middle of the stem.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 150 , 487–493.     

中国海南岛13种菊科植物的细胞学研究

对海南岛13种菊科植物进行了染色体研究,对其中9种植物进行了核型分析,结果为: 树菊Tithoni-a diversifolia A.Gray,2n=34=26m+8sm（2sat）;鳢肠Eclipta prostrata（L.）L.,2n=22=18m+4sm;金腰箭Synedrella nodiflora（L.）Gaertn.,2n=40=6m+30sm（2sat）+4st;三叶鬼针草黄花类型Bidens pilosa L.（yel-low flower）,2n=72=46m+26sm（2sat）;羽     

Karyological studies on the Sino-Himalayan endemic Soroseris and two related genera of tribe Lactuceae (Asteraceae)

Karyological studies were carried out on ten populations comprising six species of Soroseris in the tribe Lactuceae (Asteraceae), all endemic to the alpine Sino-Himalayan region and poorly known cytogenetically. The single species of Stebbinsia (one population) and two species of Syncalathium (three populations) were also examined for the first time. The basic chromosome number for the three genera is x  = 8. Stebbinsia and most species of Soroseris are diploids with 2 n  = 2 x  = 16 = 14m + 2sm and have a karyotype asymmetry type 1A. Three species of Soroseris are tetraploid (2 n  = 4 x  = 32 = 28m + 4sm). A karyotype of 2 n  = 2 x  = 16 = 14m(2SAT) + 2sm with type 1A asymmetry was found in Syncalathium kawaguchii , and of 2 n  = 2 x  = 16 = 6m + 10sm with type 2A asymmetry for two populations of Syncalathium souliei . The relationships between Soroseris and the other two genera are discussed. Our cytological results suggest that polyploidy plays a minor role in the chromosome evolution of plants from the Himalayan mountains and adjacent regions.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 154 , 79–87.     

獐牙菜属5种植物的核型研究

首次报道了中国５种獐芽菜属植物的染色体数目和核型。它们染色体中期核和相对长度组分分别是：四数獐牙菜为２ｎ＝１４＝４ｍ＋８ｓｍ＋２ｓｔ＝２Ｌ＋６Ｍ２＋４Ｍ１＋２Ｓ;华北獐牙菜２ｎ＝２８＝１２ｍ＋１４ｓｍ＋２ｓｔ＝６Ｌ＋８Ｍ１＋＋６Ｓ;二叶獐牙菜为２ｎ＝２８＝１４ｍ＋４ｓｍ＋１０ｓｔ＝２Ｌ＋１４Ｍ２＋１０１＋ｓＳ;抱茎獐 菜为２ｎ＝６ｍ＋１２ｓｍ＋２ｓｔ＝８Ｍ２＋１２Ｍ;浙江獐牙菜为２ｎ＝２０＝８ｍ＋     

A new species of Achillea (Asteraceae: Anthemideae) from south-east Peloponnisos, Greece

A new species of Achillea L., Achillea occulta Constantin. & Kalpoutz., from the summit area of Mount Koulochera in south-east Peloponnisos, Greece, is described and illustrated. It belongs to A . sect. Ptarmica and further, to a small group of taxa known under the illegitimate sectional name 'Anthemoideae'. In Greece, A. occulta has no close allies. The taxonomically related taxa, i.e. A. barrelieri (Ten.) Sch. Bip., A. mucronulata Bertol., A. oxyloba (DC.) Sch. Bip. and A. schurii Sch. Bip. are found in the Italian Peninsula, the Alps and the Carpathians. Phytogeographically, the finding of a species with such taxonomic connections in south-east Greece was unexpected. The new species grows in semi-shade, often hidden in suitable limestone rock hollows and the foot of rocks, together with several other Greek endemics. Its chromosome number of 2 n  = 18, counted in root tips, is also reported and illustrated.  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 147 , 249–256.     

两种羽叶菊属植物(菊科:千里光族)的细胞学研究及其系统学意义

该研究首次报道了滇羽叶菊和台湾刘寄奴的染色体数据。结果表明:两者的染色体数量都为48,核型公式均为2n=2x=36m+10sm+2st,与前人报道的刻裂羽叶菊的核型稍有不同。两者的染色体形态均由大到小逐渐变化,核型二型性不明显,但前者染色体明显比后者大。这说明羽叶菊属染色体基数确实应为x=24,且染色体大小在种间有较大差异。细胞学证据表明,该属与蒲儿根属中染色体基数为x=24的类群以及狗舌草属确实近缘。     

Cytogeography of European perennial species of Cyanus (Asteraceae)

To reveal the general cytogeographical pattern of Cyanus section Protocyanus in Europe, DNA ploidy and/or chromosome numbers were newly examined for 160 populations by flow cytometry (450 plants) and/or chromosome counting (30 plants). Furthermore, previously published karyological data were revised (236 records). Our analyses confirmed chromosome counts of 2n = 22 for all newly investigated samples of the C. triumfetti group (the records for C. semidecurrens and C. ternopoliensis are new), C. diospolitanus and C. achtarovii; 2n = 44 for C. montanus and C. mollis; and 2n = 20 for C. lingulatus, C. napulifer, C. nissanus, C. orbelicus, C. thirkei, C. tuberosus and C. velenovskyi. The chromosome count of 2n = 20 is the first report for C. epirotus. The cytotype 2n = 40 was newly recorded for the Crimean endemic C. fuscomarginatus and Calabrian and Greek populations of C. graminifolius. The cytotypes 2n = 20 and 2n = 40 were confirmed for C. pindicola. For the first time triploidy (2n～3x～30) was found in C. nissanus, C. thirkei and in a newly discovered hybrid, C. epirotus × C. graminifolius. Two contrasting ecogeographical patterns emerged: cytotypes derived from the base chromosome number x = 11 (2n = 22, 44) are widespread in northern latitudes and ecologically diverse, whereas cytotypes with x = 10 (2n = 20, 30, 40) are confined to mountains in southern Europe. In general, tetraploids have smaller ranges than diploids. The new combinations Cyanus section Protocyanus (Dobrocz.) Ol?avská comb. nov. and Cyanus ternopoliensis (Dobrocz.) Ol?avská comb. nov. are provided. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 173 , 230–257.     

六种犁头尖属植物(天南星科)的核型研究

报道了 6种 8个居群犁头尖属 ( Typhonium Schott)植物的核型 ,其结果如下 :( 1 )独角莲 ( T.gigan-teum)北京居群 2 n=4 x=5 2 =4 4m+ 7sm+ 1 st;( 2 )鞭檐犁头尖 ( T.flagelliforme)金平居群 2 n=3x=2 4 =3m+ 9sm( 4 SAT) + 1 2 st,河内居群 2 n=4 x=32 =7m+ 2 0 st+ 4sm+ 1 t;( 3)单籽犁头尖 ( T. calcicolum)西畴居群2 n=4 x=5 2 =2 1 sm+ 2 3m( 5 SAT) + 8st;( 4 )犁头尖 ( T.blumei)重庆居群 2 n=4 x=5 2 =4 0 m( 1 SAT) + 1 2 sm( 3SAT) ;( 5 )马蹄犁头尖 ( T.trilobatum)西双版纳居群 2 n=2 x=1 8=4 sm( 2 SAT) + 1 2 m+ 2 st,河内居群 2 n=2 x=1 8=2 st+ 9m+ 7sm;( 6 )金慈菇 ( T. roxburgii)个旧居群 2 n=2 x=1 8=8sm+ 1 0 m( 2 SAT)。其中鞭檐犁头尖 2 n=2 4、32 ,金慈菇 2 n=1 8均为首次报道 ,同时分析讨论了本属植物染色体基数和倍性的多样性及其可能的原始基数     

A new diploid species of Hieracium sect. Pannosa (Asteraceae) from Bulgaria

Hieracium petrovae Vladimirov & Szeląg sp. nov. , a new diploid (2 n  = 18) species in H. sect. Pannosa Zahn, is described and illustrated from the Rhodope Mountains, South Bulgaria, and compared with related taxa. It grows in relict habitats in crevices of limestone rock together with many Balkan endemics. H. petrovae is morphologically similar to taxa from the H. pannosum , H. pilosissimum and H. heldreichii groups (collective species sensu Zahn) to some of which it is a presumed ancestral species.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 150 , 261–265.     

Two new species of Vernonia (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) from Panama

Two new species,Vernonia cocleana andV. chiriquiensis, are described from Panama. These endemic species are distinct from those in Central America and most closely resemble taxa in the West Indies and Argentina, respectively. These taxa are described and illustrated; a key is provided to the Panamanian species ofVernonia.     

Two new species of Vernonia (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) from Peru

Two new species,Vernonia sagasteguii andV. paucartambensis, from Peru are described, illustrated, and their relationships discussed.