Genome size, chromosome counts and distribution of Homogyne alpina (Asteraceae) in the Slovak Carpathians

Abstract

Homogyne alpina (L.) Cass. represents the only species of the genus Homogyne Cass. in Slovakia. This study characterizes H. alpina in terms of chromosome counts, genome size, reproduction mode and distribution in Slovakia. Three known cytotypes of the species are known, of which the cytotype 2n = 160 is represented in the Slovak mountains and has not been documented from other countries yet. Flow cytometric analyses showed the genome size 2C = 21.30 pg for petioles and 2C = 21.82 pg for seeds. Sexual reproduction mode was confirmed by flow cytometric screening method based on embryo to endosperm genome size ratio. The centre of the species distribution is in high mountains of the Slovak Carpathians, where it is frequent in the altitude above 1000 m a. s. l. from mountane to alpine vegetation zone. The full list of the data of its distribution and the distribution map are also presented.