Cytotaxonomical studies in eight genera of Amaryllidaceae.

Abstract

Detailed morphological and karyological studies have been carried out on eight genera of Amaryllidaceae viz., Haemanthus multiflorus, Curculigo crassfolic, Zephyranthes tubispatha, Hippeastrum reticulatum Cyrtanthus mackenii, Crinum moorei, Alstroemeria japonica and Pancratium longjorum. Of these Haemanthus multiflorus, Curculigo crassifolia and Hippeastrum reticulatum were investigated meiotically also. Critical analysis shows, the karyotypes of Alstroemeria and Curculigo are distinctly different from one another and also from others and hence they need separation from others. There is gross homogenity in the karyotype among the other members especially in the nature of the nucleolus organising chromosomes. The bearing of morphological and cytological evidence in assessing the systematic position of these genera is discussed.