Chromosome Numbers in Gymnosperms-An Update

Abstract

The present report is based on a cytological data base on 614 (56.0 %) of the total 1104 recognized species and 82 (90.0 %) of the 88 recognized genera of gymnosperms. Family Cycadaceae and many genera of Zamiaceae show intrageneric uniformity of somatic numbers, the genus Zamia is represented by a range of number from 2n=16-28. Ginkgo, Welwitschia and Gentum show 2n=24, 2n=42, and 2n=44 respectively. Ephedra shows a range of polyploidy from 2x-8x based on n=7. The family Pinaceae as a whole shows 2n=24except for Pseudolarix and Pseudotsuga with 2n=44 and 2n=26 respectively. Araucariaceae constantly shows 2n=26 while Podocarpaceae has a range of 2n=18-38. Sciadopityaceae and Cupressaceae are represented by 2n=20 and 2n=22 respectively. Taxaceae shows variable numbers of 2n=24, 36 and 22. Polyploidy is exceptional being represented by 8.0 % of the taxa studied. B-chromosomes have been studied in 31 taxa while heteromorphic sex chromosomes have been reported in some dioecious taxa.