Abstract
The C-band polymorphism of chromosomes in Paris tetraphylla (2n = 2x = 10) was confirmed in the plants from the four populations, i.e., Miike (Mi), Kunimi (Kn), Kikuchi (Kk) and Aso (As), in Kumamoto Prefecture of Kyushu. The five chromosomes, A, B, C, D and E, constituting a genomic set were polymorphic for the C-banded patterns, respectively. The number of different types due to the patterns of C-banded chromosomes was 5 in each of chromosomes A, B and E, 3 in C, and 4 in D. In addition, small telocentric supernumerary chromosome was C-banding positive in its entire arm.
The patterns of occurrence of various types of chromosomes A to E were more or less similar between Mi and Kn populations, there being similar environmental conditions, including vegetation. On the other hand, Kk and As populations were different from the other populations in the patterns of occurrence of various chromosome types and in their environmental conditions including vegetation. Therefore, it might be considered that different chromosome types due to the patterns of C-bands distribute according to the adaptability to environmental conditions including vegetation among the populations. This speculation might be supported by the occurrence of supernumerary chromosomes in both Kn and As populations but absence in both Mi and Kk population.
