CHROMOSOME-NUMBERS IN THE ARTHROPODIUM-DICHOPOGON COMPLEX (ASPARAGALES, ANTHERICACEAE)

The genera Arthropodium and Dichopogon (Asparagales: Anthericaceae) ar e considered to be closely related, if at all distinct. Limited eviden ce from previous cytological studies suggested a polyploid series with in the complex where Arthropodium taxa have 2n = 22 chromosomes, inter mediate species, 2n = 44, and Dichopogon taxa, 2n = 66. Examination of chromosomes in two thirds of the species in the Arthropodium-Dichopog on complex did not support that suggestion, as most of the species in both genera have a chromosome complement of 2n = 22. Evidence of polyp loidy was found in D. strictus (2n = 22, 66), A. curvipes and D. preis sii (2n = 44). The chromosomes are too small to provide useful informa tion on chromosome morphology and C-band patterns. The lack of morphol ogical features to delimit the two genera unequivocally, combined with the prevailing 2n = 22 karyotype across both, supports merging them u nder the name Arthropodium.