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Australian Journal of Botany Australian Journal of Botany Society
Southern hemisphere botanical ecosystems
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Cytoevolution in the genus Calotis R. Br. (Compositae: Astereae)

HM Stace

Australian Journal of Botany 26(3) 287 - 307
Published: 1978

Abstract

Calotis is a genus of about 26 species and subspecies, which are chiefly encountered in the arid and semiarid regions of eastern Australia. A cytological analysis of 21 species is reported here.

There are two significant trends in the cytoevolution of the genus. Chromosome number reduction from the base number of n = 8 down to n = 4 is found mainly in arid zone annuals; some arid zone perennials are n = 7. Polyploidy occurs in two-thirds of the species, and it is as frequent in low-number annuals as in higher-number perennials. B chromosomes have been found only rarely.

Forms of asexual reproduction occur in the genus, and at least one agamic complex involving polyploidy has occurred. Other species appear to be obligate outbreeders.

https://doi.org/10.1071/BT9780287

© CSIRO 1978

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