A biosystematic study on polyploid populations of the genusSpiraea (Rosaceae) in Korea

A total of 61 chromosome counts from 11 taxa of Korean Spiraea was made. Our counts are the first report for eight taxa;S. blumei (2n=18, 36),S. chartacea (2n=36),S. chinensis (2n=36),S. fritschiana (2n=27, 36),S. microgyna (2n=18),S. prunifolia var.simpliciflora (2n=18),S. pseudocrenata (2n=36), andS. trichocarpa (2n=18). A new chromosome number of 2n=36 (tetraploid) is reported forS. pubescence. Populations of three species includingS. blumei, S. pubescence and .V.fritschiana, show different ploidy levels; diploid and tetraploid populations are found in the former two species and triploid and tetraploid ones, in latter species. Multiplication of chromosome numbers contributes to increase in size of pollen and stomata in the three species. Populations with different ploidy levels inS. blumei occupy different regions; diploid populations in inland Korea and tetraploid ones in Ullung Island. Island tetraploid population of 5.blumei might be originated from intra-island polyploidization through the introduction of diploid from inland Korea, considering the worldwide distribution of this species. Pollen fertilities of island populations of ,S′.blumei are relatively low, and sometimes no pollen grain is produced in anther sacs; it suggests that tetraploid population of the island is gynodioecious which may serve reduction of inbreeding depression.