KARYOSYSTEMATIC INVESTIGATION OF THE GENUS SCORZONERA L. S.L. (LACTUCEAE, ASTERACEAE)

Summarizing the results of our karyological investigation and the data in literature make it possible to speak about a considerable divergen ce within Scorzonera L. s.l. Generic independence of Podospermum DC. a nd Epilasia (Bunge) Benth. is confirmed by karyological data. The mono typic genus Takhtajaniantha Nazarova is singled out into an independen t one and the question of the revision of taxonomic rank of the sectio ns Pulvinares, Nervosae, Vierhapperia and Tuberosae is raised (by LIPS CHIZ system, 1935, 1939). The scheme of phylogenetic links within Scor zonera s.l. at the basis of primary basic chromosome numbers, x=6 and 7 and secondary basic chromosome numbers, x=12, 14 (amphiploid origin) is proposed. The role of structural rearrangements in the evolution o f taxa is discussed.