CYTOTAXONOMIC OBSERVATIONS IN THE GENUS AESCHYNANTHUS(GESNERIACEAE)

Abstract

This study is a contribution to the further understanding of cytological patterns in Aeschynanthus(Gesneriacaeae). Chromosome numbers are reported for 12 species from six sections; nine of these are new counts. Two basic numbers, x=16 and x=15, are generally encountered. Aeschynanthus gracilis proved to be of exceptional interest, as its rare somatic number, 2n=28, confirms the occurrence of a third basic number, x=14, in the genus. Variation in chromosome number in relation to seed morphology is examined.