(no subject)
Jan Schlauer (zxmsl01@studserv.zdv.uni-tuebingen.de)
Sat, 30 Jan 93 09:37:53 +0100
Barry,
The chromosome numbers of all allies of _D.petiolaris_ except _D.lanata_
are 2n=12. _D.lanata_ has 2n (it should rather read 3x+)=19 (!,
hypertriploid). It is very well possible that this species reproduces
apomictically (because with this chromosomal complement normal meiosis
is impossible). Kondo (1984, the protologue of _D.dilatatopetiolaris_,
_D.falconeri_, and _D.lanata_, in which the chromosome counts are cited)
states that _D.lanata_ produces numerous seeds. So it is apparently not
sterile. If it is really apomictic, all "hybrids" should look like
_D.lanata_ if this is the mother plant. If it produces viable pollen,
however it would be quite thrilling to see how a _D.petiolaris_-2n=12
ally * _D.lanata_ looks like (especially the hairs and chromosome ## of
which).
So there's enough room for experiment yet.
Have a lucky hand (and drop a note in case of *any* results)!
Jan