Report on the chromosome numbers of four Carex taxa in Korea (Cyperaceae)

Abstract

We report the meiotic chromosome numbers of four Carex taxa from Korean populations. Three are the first reports made on taxa from Korean populations: Carex appendiculata (Trautv. & C. A. Mey.) Kük. (n = 27 II ), C. fernaldiana H. Lév. & Vaniot (n = 33 II ), and C. metallica H.Lév. (n=15 II ). Reports on the other species expand the range of variation in the chromosome number within a taxon, C. miyabei Franch. (n = 43 II , 44 II , 45 II ). Carex L. (Cyperaceae) consists of more than 2,000 species worldwide and is the most species-rich genus in Korea. The species diversity in the genus has been hypothesized to be associated with the chromosome variation, but chromosome information pertaining to Korean Carex taxa is not well known. This report updates the chromosome number inventory on Korean Carex to 24 out of 180 taxa.