A Cytological Study of the Zingiberales with Special Reference to Their Taxonomy

Abstract

The chromosome numbers have been determined for sixty four species spread over all the families of Scitamineae. In about eighteen of these species, meiosis has been studied. The findings are correlated with the presumed evolution of the various groups. The evolution of the chromosome complements in the various families is discussed in the light of the past and present findings. In Musaceae (broad sense) three distinct groups: (a) Musa-Ensete, (b) Heliconia and (c) Ravenala-Strelitzia-Phenakospermum are recognised and sub-familial status proposed for these. According to the cytological data it is concluded that the genus Zingiber should be included in the tribe Hedychieae. From the evidence of flower morphology, geographical distribution and cytological differences it is proposed that the African representative of Kaempferia should be restored to the status of a separate genus, Cienkowskya of Solms Laubach. It is suggested that haploid number 11 is the original basic number for the whole of the Scitamineae, and other numbers such as, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 17 are secondary in origin. Of these, 9 occurs exclusively or predominantly in Ensete. Costus, Canna, and Orchidantha, 12 in the sub-family Zingiberoideae and 13 in Marantaceae. © 1970, Japan Mendel Society, International Society of Cytology. All rights reserved.