New chromosome counts in the genus Cousinia (Asteraceae, Cardueae) from Iran

Abstract

Meiotic chromosome counts are reported for 20 populations, representing 18 species of the genus Cousinia s. str. from Iran. Most of the populations counted are from the type localities of the corresponding species. Counts for fifteen species are new to science, two confirm previous reports, while one count, for C. hypopolia, opposes an early report. The chromosome number for the monotypic C. sect. Harazensis is reported for the first time.