2012 Volume 62 Issue 2_3 Pages 99-102
Cytologieal studies of the myco-heterotrophic orchid Stereosandra javanica Blume revealed a chromosome number of 2n=116 and 5811. reported here for the first time. The chromosome complement at resting stage was of the complex ehromocenter type, Metaphase chromosomes showed a gradual decrease in chromosome length from 1.5 to 0.9μm. The number, 2n=116, is the highest chromosome number in Japanese wild orchids hitherto recorded and differs from the chromosome numbers in the elosely related genus Epipogium; 2n=72=36II in E. aphyllum SW., 2n=ca. 70=35II in E. roseum (D. Don) Lindl. and 2n=78 in E. japonicum Makino.
