Number and morphology of chromosomes in African species in the genus <i>Trifolium</i> L.

Abstract

Chromosome numbers are reported for 14 African species and varieties in the genus Trifolium L. All species belong in that section of the genus with a basic chromosome number of x = 8. There are differences in chromosome size and morphology between species, and three are polyploids. A consideration of the karyotype, growth form, and distribution of these species suggests that some of them are primitive, and that the highlands of East Africa may be a centre of origin of the genus.