Basic chromosome numbers and polyploid levels in some South African and Australian grasses (Poaceae)

Abstract

Chromosome numbers of 46 specimens of grasses, involving 24 taxa from South Africa and Australia, have been determined during the present study. For the first time chromosome numbers are given for Eragrostis sarmentosa (Thunb.) Trin. (n = 20). Panicum aequinerve Nees (n = 18), Digitaria argyrograpta (Nees) Stapf (n = 9) and D. maitlandii Stapf C.E. Hubb. (n = 9). Additional polyploid levels are described for Diplachne fusca (L.) Beauv. ex Roem. Schult. (n = 10) and Digitaria diagonalis (Nees) Stapf var. diagonalis (n = 9).B-chromosomes were observed in several different specimens. The presence of B-chromosomes often results in abnormal chromosomal behaviour during meiosis.