Number and morphology of chromosomes in African species in the genus Trifolium L.

Abstract

Chromosome numbers are reported for 14 African species and varieties in the genus Trifolium L. All species belong in that section of the genus with a basic chromosome number of x = 8. There are differences in chromosome size and morphology between species, and three are polyploids.

A consideration of the karyotype, growth form, and distribution of these species suggests that some of them are primitive, and that the highlands of East Africa may be a centre of origin of the genus.