Abstract
Molecular cytogenetic analysis in seven species of Lachenalia (Liliaceae) with 2n=18, 22, 23, 26 and 28 was studied using DAPI staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Lachenalia latimerae (2n=18), L. juncifolia (2n=22) and L. zeyheri (2n=23) would be considered as diploids which had basic chromosome numbers of x=9, 11 and 11, respectively. They showed similarities in the characters of DAPI bands and FISH signals of 5S rDNA and 18S rDNA sites. Lachenalia aloides var. vanzyliae (2n=28) and L. orchioides (2n=28) showed tetraploidy (X=7). Lachenalia paucifolia (2n=26) and L. longituba (2n=28), which belonged to the genus Polyxena by different system, considered as diploids which might have in respect to their basic chromosome numbers of x=13 and 14. Lachenalia paucifolia and L. longituba showed different characters of DAPI bands and FISH signals of 5S rDNA and 18S rDNA and showed different characters from the other species of Lachenalia studied here.
