Abstract
Cytology of three species of Cordyline and ten of Dracaena is reported from South India. The gametic numbers observed in species of Cordyline is n=19 and in Dracaena are n=18, 19 and 20, of which n=19 predominated.Chromosome data show that both the genera have similar basic chromosome consitution (x=18, 19, 20) and small sized chromosomes. The x=20 in Dracaena is postulated to be the earlier evolved one by polyploidy from a possible x=10 primary condition.Polyploidy and aneuploidy appear to have played significant role in speciation and evolution in the genus.Systematic relationships of the genera is considered. Hutchinson's treatment of Cordyline and Dracaena along with Sansevieria and Cohnia in the same tribe (Dracaeneae) is pointed out to be justifiable on karyological grounds. But this tribe appears to have very little cytological likeness with the other tribes of Hutchinson's Agavaceae, and this supports the suggested removal of Dracaeneae from the Agavaceae.
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