Karyology, generic delineation and dysploidy in the genera Carduncellus, Carthamus and Phonus (Asteraceae)

Abstract

Within the Mediterranean complex Carduncellus Carthamus Phonus, taxonomic classification has proven problematical. A recent molecular analysis has clarified the generic delineation, while a revision of the abundant karyological data has suggested that correlation of taxonomic classification and karyology would be of great interest. In this paper, a confirmation of chromosome numbers in the complex is offered, with 44 populations of 30 taxa studied. Six of the counts are new. A short analysis of the correlation between base chromosome numbers and generic classification follows. The main conclusion is that descending dysploidy is the main mechanism of karyological evolution in the complex, as has been the case in other genera of the subtribe.