A Preliminary Cyto-taxonomic Study of <i>Atrichum</i> Palis

Abstract

1. Cytology of 4 species of Atrichum Palis has been studied. A. flavisetum and A. pallidum (both dioecious) have seven chromosomes each, while A. subserratum and A. obtusulum (which includes A. sub-obtusulum of C. Muller) both monoecious have 14 chromosomes each.2. Difference in the sexuality of A. flavisetum and A. subserratum between what we have noted and Brotherus has recorded, indicate that a monoecious race of the former and a dioecious race of the latter may be expected to grow in this area or near it.3. A. subserratum may have been produced by hybridization between A. flavisetum (recorded) and A. subserratum (diploid expected race) or by auto-polyploidy of the latter.4. A. obtusulum may be the hybrid between a diploid like A. subserratum expected, but differing from it in having “m” chromosome and A. pallidum.5. A search is being made for the expected “races” and species. Further work on the cytology of this group or plexus of species is in hand.Our sincerest thanks are due to Prof. P. N. Mehra for providing facilities, which enabled us to carry on this work, to Shri T. N. Khoshoo for going through the manuscript, Shri R. S. Pathania for the microphotographs and Mr. A. H. Norkett for the determination of the species of Atrichum.