Additional Chromosome Numbers in Transvaal Grasses

Abstract

The chromosome numbers were counted in 47 species and varieties belonging to 25 genera oft he family Gramineae. Four genera, Arundinella (n=9), Fingerhuthia (n=10), Harpechloa (n=10) and Trichopteryx (n=12) were previously unknown cytologically. Eighteen species and varieties belonging to various genera were studied cytologically for the first time. In addition eight species and varieties studied are characterized by chromosome numbers differing from earlier reports. Cytological and anatomical data suggest that Fingerhuthia occupies an aberrant position in the tribe Festuceae and should be removed from the subfamily Festucoideae. It was indicated that this subfamily is far from homogeneous. The genus Aristida differs from other members included in the subfamily Eragrostoideae in cytology and leaf anatomy.