2011 Volume 76 Issue 2 Pages 201-212
Chromosome numbers of Taraxacum albidum were examined in 1308 plants collected from 202 localities throughout the distribution areas of this species in Japan. The species had 2n=32 (tetraploid), 39 (hypopentaploid) and 40 chromosomes (pentaploid). Out of 1308 plants examined 88 (6.7%) were tetraploids, 1219 (93.2%) were pentaploids and a plant was a hypopentaploid. Tetraploids were distributed exclusively in Kyushu, whereas pentaploids throughout all the distribution areas in Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Pentaploids had 2 forms of karyotypes, whereas tetraploids showed a uniform karyotype. Thus, 2 forms of pentaploids in karyotype are considered to be distinct clones.