A Synopsis of Chromosome Number Variation in the Cyperaceae

The Cyperaceae are well known for having a large amount of variation in chromosome numbers both within and among genera. Most of this variation has been previously attributed to agmatoploid or qualitative aneuploid chromosome number change. To date there have been 4,231 reported chromosome number counts in the family. Despite the large number of counts made, they only represent approximately 16% of the species currently recognized. These counts are here presented in an indexed list with standardized nomenclature following a draft copy of the World Checklist of Cyperaceae. Additionally, I explore variation within genera where a significant number of counts have been made. Given the distributions of counts within genera there is evidence for both agmatoploid and polyploid chromosome number changes.