Karyotypic study of Echinops (Asteraceae) in Fars Province, Iran

A karyotypic study was performed on 19 Echinops species in Fars Province, Iran. The taxa revealed chromosome counts of 2 n = 28, 30, 32 and 34. Somatic chromosome numbers of 18 species are reported for the first time. Using somatic chromosome number as a criterion for section delimitation, the transfer of E. gedrosiacus, E. cyanocephalm and E. sojakii from Sect. Oligolepis to Sect. Ritropsis is suggested. Differences in basic chromosome numbers point towards the possible role played by centric fusion/fission in the karyotypic evolution of the genus. The Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation and principal components analysis indicated the occurrence of structural changes in chromosomes. The species occupied classes 1A, 2A & 2B of Stebbins' karyotype classification, indicating the presence of a primitive symmetrical karyotype in the genus.