Cytology of Some W. Himalayan Ranunculaceae

Abstract

Cytological account based on meiotic studies of 23 taxa belonging to Ranunculaceae is presented. Eight species have been investigated for the first time and three intraspecific races have been discovered. Chromosomal aberrations are recorded in Anemone obtusioloba, Ranunculus hirtellus, R. laetus, Delphinium cardiopetallum and Aconitum kashimiricum. It is inferred that the original base number of the family is x=4 and early in its evolutionary history it became doubled so that the prevalent haploid number in the family is n=8. Evolutionary diversification in the family has involved alterations in chromosome number, karyotype changes, polyploidy and of course gene mutations.