Total Chromosome Length Research Articles

Cytomorphological analysis and in situ 4C nuclear DNA estimation in species and varieties of Tabernaemontana (fam. Apocynaceae)

Tabernaemontana coronaria, a common garden plant in tropical countries, has been used as a traditional medicine. The beneficial properties of T. coronaria are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The active biocompounds including the alkaloids in the leaf extract enhance the cholinergic activity in both central and peripheral nervous system. A detailed analysis of morphological and cytological characters was carried out on three varieties and populations of T. coronaria and one population of T. dichotoma. Morphological characters like inter-node length, petiole length, leaf area and leaf index differed in species and varieties which may serve as identifying characters. Somatic chromosome analysis revealed 2n = 22 chromosomes in T. dichotoma, T. coronaria var. variegata, T. coronaria var. Dwarf, T. coronaria and 2n = 3X = 33 chromosomes in T. coronaria var. Flore-pleno with 2n = 3X = 33 being triploid. The species and varieties of Tabernaemontana have distinct total chromosome length, volume and nuclear DNA contents. Karyotype analysis showed differences in chromosome types and number of chromosome in each type. A conspicuous variation in chromosome characteristics was observed at intra specific and intra varietal level.

Karyotype study on 15 populations of Eremostachys laciniata Bunge in Iran

A karyotype study was performed on 15 populations of Eremostachys laciniata Bunge from Iran in order to quantify the extent of cytological variation for use in breeding programmes. Ten mitotic root tip cells at the metaphase stage were prepared from each population by the squash method. The chromosomes of suitable mitotic cells were counted and various parameters, including long and short arm lengths, chromosome lengths, total length of the haploid chromosome complement, arm ratios, and the centromeric index, were measured. All 15 populations were diploid with 2n = 2x = 22 and were differentiated by their karyotypic parameters. All 15 E. laciniata populations occupied Class 1A of Stebbins’ karyotype classification, indicating the presence of a primitive symmetrical karyotype. The size of the mitotic chromosomes was medium, and mean chromosome lengths ranged from 3.84 to 4.77 μm. The shortest chromosome lengths were observed in the Ajabshir population and the longest in the Heydarabad population. The Heydarabad population also had the longest total chromosome length and the Ajabshir population had the shortest total chromosome length. The centromeric indices of the chromosome complements varied from 39.3% to 43.7%. Metacentric chromosomes were the most common in all populations, whereas submetacentric chromosomes were rare. The A1 index varied from 0.215 (Areshtanab) to 0.337 (Til). The A2 index ranged from 0.116 (Til) to 0.143 (Kaleybar), and the karyotype asymmetry index varied between 0.051 and 0.097. The results of a principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the main elements of the first three main principal components accounted for 97% of the total variance. Cluster analysis by Ward’s method indicated that all 15 populations could be classified into three clusters. Finally, the results of the karyotypic parameters showed that the Til, Heydarabad, and Marand populations had higher levels of karyotypic heterogeneity and may be useful when developing breeding programmes.

Karyotype Analysis and 4C Nuclear DNA Estimation in Different Cultivars of <i>Clitoria ternatea</i> L.

The present article has reported a detailed karyotype analysis and 4C nuclear DNA estimation in different cultivars and populations of Clitoria ternatea L. of Fabaceae. This plant, widely distributed in tropical regions in India, is a climber and is an economically important medicinal plant. The karyotype study has revealed a constancy in the diploid somatic chromosome number (2n=16) in all these cultivars and populations. However, the nature and number of nucleolar chromosomes varied. The centromeric chromosomes were either metacentric or sub-metacentric in all these cultivars. The total chromosome length and volume differed among these cultivars and populations having the same somatic chromosome number. The differential condensation of chromosomes and the association of variable amounts of proteins in chromosome composition might have been responsible for such differences. In situ cytophotometric studies revealed an intermediate genome size in this species. This is the first report on the detailed karyotype and genome size of cultivars of Clitoria ternatea L.

Taxonomy and karyology ofNogra dalzellii(Baker) Merr. (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae), a little-known Indian legume

Nogra dalzellii (Baker) Merr. is an endemic legume that is sporadically distributed in the Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra states of India. A detailed taxonomic account and karyological investigations on the species are not yet available. The taxonomy of Nogra dalzellii is reviewed here. Complete description and illustration are provided. The binomial Grona dalzellii Baker [(≡) Nogra dalzellii] is lectotypified. A diploid chromosome number of 2n = 22 and karyotype of Nogra dalzellii are reported here for the first time. The mean chromosome length is 2.55 ± 0.41 μm and the total chromosome length of the haploid genome 28.01 ± 0.41 μm. The shortest chromosome measures 1.83 ± 0.37 μm and the longest one 3.25 ± 0.57 μm. The karyotype of the species is highly symmetrical, falling in the 2a category with the karyotype formula: 11m.

Karyomorphology of three species ofAristolochia– rare and endemic medicinal plants of Assam, India

Karyomorphological analyses were conducted of three species of Aristolochia from Assam, India: Aristolochia indica Linn., Aristolochia saccata Wall., and Aristolochia cathcartii Hook. f. The study included determination of somatic chromosome number, total chromosome length, volume, arm ratio and centromeric position. Chromosome classification was done on the basis of the position of the centromere. Their karyotypes were as follows: 2n = 12 for Aristolochia indica Linn. and Aristolochia saccata Wall., and 2n = 20 for Aristolochia cathcartii Hook. f. A. indica consists of six median chromosomes and six metacentric chromosomes. The chromosome length varied from 1.36 μm to 3.06 μm while their volumes ranged from 0.004 μm3 to 0.176 μm3. The relative length of the chromosomes varied from 5.71 μm to 12.85 μm. A. saccata possesses six median, two metacentric and two submetacentric chromosomes. One pair of metacentric chromosome possesses secondary constriction at subterminal region. The chromosome length varied f...

Genotypic variations of ten Indian cultivars ofColocasia esculentavar.antiquoromSchott. evident by chromosomal and RAPD markers

Detailed karyotype, genome size and RAPD marker analysis were employed to assess genetic diversity in Taro (Colocasia esculenta var antiquorom Schott.). Karyotype analysis revealed genotype specific chromosomal characteristics and structural alterations in chromosome with variations of ploidy from 2n = 2x = 28 (cv. Mothan, cv. Muktakeshi, cv. Sree Kiran, cv. Sree Pallavi, cv. Sunajhili) to 3n = 3x = 42 (cv. Banky, cv. DP-25, cv. Duradin, cv. H-3, cv. Telia) in the genome. Highly significant variations in the genomic length, volume and total form (TF) % were noted at variety level. Total genomic chromosome length varied from 46.96μm in cv. Sree Kiran to 100.49μm in cv. Duradin. Total genomic chromosome volume varied from 18.22μm3 in cv. Sunajhili to 38.22μm3 in cv. Duradin. Total form percentage was varied from 24.94% in cv. Sree Kiran to 39.04% in cv. H-3 confirming near metacentric to metacentric chromosomes in the karyotype. Significant variations in the 4C DNA content noted among the cultivars that ranged from 7.24 pg in cv. Sree Kiran to 18.24 pg in cv. Duradin; accordingly, genome size varied from ~7095 to 17875 Mbp. High genome size in all the triplod varieties with 3x = 42 chromosomes could be due to the presence of extra set of chromosomes in the genome or high amount of repetitive DNA. The variation in the genome size at the variety level might be attributed to loss or addition of highly repetitive sequences in the genome. Amplification of genomic DNA in 10 genotypes using Operon primers yielded 230 amplified DNA fragments, ranging in size from 200 to 2500bp out of which 79 bands were polymorphic. A total of 8 unique RAPD bands were observed among 10 taro genotypes that revealed primer wise polymorphism ranged from 16.66 to 47.36% with an average polymorphic percentage of 34.34%. Whereas, among the cultivars the polymorphic percentage varied from 3.70% between cv. DR-25 & cv. Duradin and cv. Telia & cv. H-3 to 41.94% between cv. Mothan & cv. Muktakeshi. Genetic similarity based on Jaccard’s coefficient varied from 0.54 to 0.96, indicating wide genetic variability among the varieties based on RAPD markers. Similarity measures and cluster analysis generally reflected the expected trends in relationships of diploid and triplod taro varieties. Dendrogram obtained from the genetic distances among the varieties could be useful for breeders to choose the diverse parents for breeding programme aimed at varietal improvement.

Primeros estudios cariotípicos en Mimosa farinosa y M. velloziana (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae)

Se presentan los primeros estudios de cariotipo en Mimosa farinosa y M. velloziana. Se cita por primera vez el número cromosómico de M. farinosa, 2n = 2x = 26 (Mimosa sección Batocaulon serie Farinosae) y se confirma el número cromosómico de M. velloziana var. velloziana: 2n = 4x = 52 (Mimosa sección Mimosa serie Mimosa subserie Mimosa). Se analizó la fórmula y los parámetros del cariotipo (longitud cromosómica e índices de asimetría A1y A2). Se determinaron las fórmulas cariotípicas de M. farinosa (16m+10sm) y de M. velloziana var. velloziana (48m+4sm). M. farinosa posee un cariotipo más asimétrico y mayor tamaño cromosómico que M. velloziana var. velloziana. El índice A1, el largo cromosómico total y el largo cromosómico por genoma haploide exhibieron diferencias significativas entre ambos taxones. Estos resultados concuerdan con diferencias halladas previamente entre otros representantes de la serie Farinosae y la serie Mimosa subserie Mimosa, lo que sugiere que algunos parámetros evaluados tienen interés citotaxonómico en grupos de especies de este género.

Cytological study of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) species from southern South America

Polystichum is one of the most diverse genera of ferns, with 360–400 species distributed worldwide. South America harbors ~40 species, clustered in three centres of diversity, namely, the Northern and Central Andes Center (NCC), the Brazilian Center (BC) and the Southern South America Center (SSC). To increase our understanding of the systematic relationships within Polystichum, mitotic chromosomes and spore features were studied in nine species from Argentina and Chile. All species presented the basic number x = 41, with different ploidy levels (2x, 4x and 8x). In general, chromosomes were homogeneous in size (average length 2.50–5.75 µm) and mostly subtelocentric; centromeres were inconspicuous and secondary constrictions were frequently observed. All species presented 64 spores per sporangium, suggesting normal sexual reproduction. Significant differences in spore size were found among species and it was positively correlated with ploidy level. A relationship between sum total chromosome length and ploidy level was observed. However, there was also a reduction in single-chromosome length in the polyploids, pointing to genome downsizing. Our results agree with previous records, with diploids being frequent among NCC species and absent among SSC species. In addition to sharing very specific morphological characters, SSC species are cytologically characterised by being polyploids (4x and 8x). A literature survey covering 116 species of Polystichum revealed that Australian and New Zealand Polystichum species exhibit similarly high frequencies of polyploidy. In the case of P. tetragonum (2n = 164), endemic to the Juan Fernandez archipelago, our data suggested that it was originated by transoceanic migration from a South American ancestor, probably also tetraploid.

A proposal for a multivariate quantitative approach to infer karyological relationships among taxa

Until now, basic karyological parameters have been used in different ways by researchers to infer karyological relationships among organisms. In the present study, we propose a standardized approach to this aim, integrating six different, not redundant, parameters in a multivariate PCoA analysis. These parameters are chromosome number, basic chromosome number, total haploid chromosome length, MCA (Mean Centromeric Asymmetry), CVCL (Coefficient of Variation of Chromosome Length) and CVCI (Coefficient of Variation of Centromeric Index). The method is exemplified with the application to several plant taxa, and its significance and limits are discussed in the light of current phylogenetic knowledge of these groups.

Contribución a la citogenética de Tamarindus indica (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae)

Se utilizó la técnica de splash para analizar las características citogenéticas de Tamarindus indica en meristemos radiculares de semillas provenientes de individuos silvestres y de variedades cultivadas de México. El número cromosómico observado en metafases mitóticas 2n = 2x = 24 concuerda con recuentos anteriores, aunque difiere de otros obtenidos en algunas zonas paleotropicales, por lo que se discute el papel de la disploidía en la evolución del género. La fórmula cariotípica establecida aquí como 16m + 6sm + 2stsat y los tamaños cromosómicos obtenidos confirman que en Caesalpinioideae predominan los cariotipos simétricos y cromosomas de tamaño pequeño (< 3 µm). La constante asociación de los satélites con un nucleolo único confirma que los cromosomas subtelocéntricos (st) son portadores de la región del organizador nucleolar (NOR). Diferencias en las longitudes cromosómicas totales sugieren que las semillas utilizadas para su cultivo en México proceden de regiones geográficas diferentes o bien reflejan un proceso de intensa selección artificial aplicada en las variedades cultivadas. Se requiere evaluar la extensión de la variación en el número y morfología cromosómica en otras poblaciones del Nuevo Mundo.

Cytotaxonomic investigations to assess diversity and evolution in Amorphophallus Blume ex Decne. (Araceae)

Karyomorphological studies in twenty five accessions of Amorphophallus collected from four biogeographic zones of India comprising of seven wild species and 18 morphotypes and wild relatives of A. paeoniifolius revealed differences in chromosome numbers. Three chromosome numbers viz., 2n = 28 for all the A. paeoniifolius accessions, A. dubius, A. smithsonianus and A. sylvaticus; 2n = 26 for A. bonaccordensis, A. hohenackeri and A. commutatus; and 2n = 3 × = 39 for A. bulbifer were recorded. Based on karyological characters, a scheme for the evolution of chromosome number in the species of Amorphophallus was framed. Zarco’s asymmetry indices revealed that the accessions T2 (A. bonaccordensis) and T3 (A. smithsonianus) are the more evolved species in terms of karyotype symmetry. According to the classification of Stebbins, A. bonaccordensis included in 3B category was the most asymmetrical and hence considered as most evolved. Amorphophallus paeoniifolius var. campanulatus with A1 = 0.40–0.43 appeared to be more evolved than A. paeoniifolius var. paeoniifolius based on Zarco’s asymmetry indices. Slight differences observed in the A1 values (0.1714–0.37) in the accessions of A. paeoniifolius var. paeoniifolius demonstrate the close relationship of the accessions. Among the A. paeoniifolius accessions, TF% varied between 35.34 % (GJ) to 43.6 % (K3-1) with TF% of 37.64 in T10. Taxa with asymmetric karyotype tend to have low TF% and accordingly cv. Gajendra (GJ) and cv.karunaikizhangu (T10) (both A. paeoniifolius var. campanulatus) having low TF% can be considered as highly evolved among the A. paeoniifolius accessions. UPGMA clustering based on five karyotypic parameters namely total chromosome length (TCL), average chromosome length (ACL), chromosome number, TF% and ratio of longest chromosome (LC) to shortest chromosome (SC) of the complement revealed two principal clusters at a Euclidean distance of 1.3 and such clustering pattern is in tune with the morphological data which leads to make a valid assumption that A. dubius may be the immediate ancestor of cultivated forms.

Morphological, karyological and palynological investigation of endemic Centaurea kurdica Reichardt from Turkey

The purpose of this study was to determine the morphological, morphometrical, karyological and palynological features of the endemic Centaurea kurdica Reichardt species from East Anatolian region. Some morphological features of the species like morphology of capitula, involucra, involucral leaves (phyllaries) and achene have been investigated. The chromosome number of Centaurea kurdica was found as 2n = 18 and haploid karyotype formula 6m+2sm+1M. Metaphase chromosome length ranged from 5.81 to 3.91 μm and the total haploid chromosome length was 41.09 μm. The results of the light microscope investigation of pollen revealed that it is radially symmetrical, isopolar tricolporate and has spheroid-type pollen, and exine ornamentation was also determined as scabrate.

Genome analysis of species of Calathea utilizing chromosomal and nuclear DNA parameters

The species of Calathea of Marantaceae under Scitaminaceae are economically important as ornamental foliage plants. These are native of South America and distributed throughout the tropics. The plants are tuberous or rhizomatous and propagate mostly by vegetative means. In the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the genomic diversity of four different species of Calathea in relation to morphological and cytological characteristics as well as 4C nuclear DNA contents at the inter- and intra-specific levels. Differences were observed in morphological characters including petiole length, leaf area and ornamentation. These characters may serve as identifying parameters of individual species. Chromosome analysis has indicated the somatic chromosome number to range from 2n = 24 to 2n = 28 among these species. The species or varieties of Calathea having the same chromosome number differed in relation to chromosome types and number of chromosomes of individual type. The 4C nuclear DNA contents did not vary much and there was no direct correlation with the ploidy status of these species of Calathea. A variation was recorded among these species in total chromosome length. The chromosome length and volume also did not reveal any direct correlation with chromosome number, instead a consistency in difference of these two characters was noted. Differential coiling of the arm and the ratios of different protein components (histone and non-histone) in chromosome organization have been suggested to be responsible for such differences in chromosome length and volume respectively. It is suggested that cryptic structural alteration in chromosomes has played a role in speciation of this genus.

Karyotype and genome size analyses in species of Helichrysum (Asteraceae)

Karyotype studies were performed in 18 populations of eight Helichrysum species in Iran. Those species showed chromosome numbers of 2n = 2x = 14; 2n = 4x = 24, 28 and 32; 2n = 6x = 36; 2n = 7x = 42; 2n = 8x = 48; 2n = 9x = 54; and 2n = 10x = 60. The chromosome numbers of H. davisianum, H. globiferum, H. leucocephalum and H. oocephalum are reported here for the first time. New ploidy levels are reported for H. oligocephalum (2n = 4x = 24) and H. plicatum (2n = 4x = 32). The chromosomes were metacentric and submetacentric. An ANOVA among H. globiferum and H. leucocephalum populations showed significant differences for the coefficient of variation for chromosome size, total form percentage and the asymmetry indices, indicating that changes in the chromosome structure of Helichrysum species occurred during their diversification. Significant positive correlations among the species and populations studied, in terms of the total chromosome length, lengths of the short arms and lengths of the long arms, indicate that these karyotypic features change simultaneously during speciation events. The genome sizes of Helichrysum species are reported here for first time. The 2C DNA content ranged from 8.13 pg (in H. rubicundum) to 18.4 pg (in H. leucocephalum and H. davisianum). We found that C-value correlated significantly with ploidy level, total chromosome length, lengths of the long arms and lengths of the short arms (p<0.05), indicating that changes in chromosome structure are accompanied by changes in DNA content.

Los rompimientos cromosómicos y translocaciones modelan el cariotipo trimodal de una población hexaploide de Milla biflora (Asparagaceae) de la Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel, Distrito Federal, México

Thirty individuals from one population of Milla biflora from Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel, Distrito Federal, Mexico were sampled to analyze the architecture and behavior of mitotic chromosomes in meristematic root cells. The use of the splash technique allowed the corroboration of the chromosome number 2n=6x=42 (x=7), and to propose the karyotype formula (6m+24sm+12st), to obtain the total haploid chromosome length (106.92μm) mean chromosome size (5.09μm) and chromosomal length range (2.54−9.07μm). The asymmetry index (TF%=32.45) correspond to asymmetric karyotype exhibiting 3 differentiated chromosomal types by their shape and size (trimodal). The NOR regions were associated to st chromosomes bearing a secondary constriction and satellite. Chromosome fragments and heterochromosomes show an active mechanism of chromosomal rearrangements that mold the karyotype of M. biflora and play an important role in the evolution of the species. Its autohexaploide origin is discussed in function of the presence of chromosome subgroups, absence of nucleolar dominance and the role of gene redundancy.

Karyotype analysis of ten draught resistant cultivars of Indian taro - Colocasia esculenta cv. antiquorom Schott

Somatic chromosome number, detailed karyotype and genome size analysis were made to assess genetic diversity in ten drought resistant cultivars of Indian Taro (Colocasia esculenta var antiquorom Schott.). Karyotype analysis revealed genotype specific chromosomal characteristics and structural alterations in chromosomes of the genome, with variations of ploidy from 2n = 2 × = 28 (cv. Mothan, cv. Muktakeshi, cv. Sree Kiran, cv. Sree Pallavi, cv. Sunajhili) to 3n = 3 × = 42 (cv. Banky, cv. DP-25, cv. Duradin, cv. H-3, cv. Telia). Highly significant variations in the genomic length, volume and total form (TF) % were noted at variety level. Total genomic chromosome length varied from 46.96 μm in cv. Sree Kiran to 100.49 μm in cv. Duradin. Total genomic chromosome volume varied from 18.22 μm3 in cv. Sunajhili to 38.22 μm3 in cv. Duradin. Total form percentage was varied from 24.94 % in cv. Sree Kiran to 39.04 % in cv. H-3 confirming mostly of near metacentric to metacentric chromosomes in the karyotype. Significant variations in the 4C DNA content noted among the cultivars that ranged from 7.24 pg in cv. Sree Kiran to 18.24 pg in cv. Duradin; accordingly, genome size varied from ~7,095 to 17,875 Mbp. High genome size in all the triplod varieties with 3 x = 42 chromosomes could be due to the presence of extra set of chromosomes in the genome or high amount of repetitive DNA. The variation in the genome size at the cultivar level may be attributed to loss or addition of highly repetitive sequences in the genome. Detailed chromosomal analysis of ten drought resistant cultivars could help breeders to choose the diverse parents for breeding programme along with high yielding drought susceptible varieties for future crop improvement programme.

DNA content in South American endemic species of Lathyrus

The genome size was surveyed in 13 Notolathyrus species endemic to South America by flow cytometry and analyzed in an evolutionary and biogeographic context. A DNA content variation of 1.7-fold was registered, and four groups of species with different DNA content were determined. Although, the 2C values were correlated with the total chromosome length and intrachromosomal asymmetry index (A1), the karyotype formula remained almost constant. The conservation of the karyotype formula is in agreement with proportional changes of DNA in the chromosome arms. Species with annual life cycle and shorter generation time had the lowest DNA content and the data suggest that changes in DNA content involved reductions of genome size in the perennial to annual transitions. The variation of 2C values was correlated with precipitation of the coldest quarter and, to some extent, with altitude. Additional correlations with other variables were observed when the species were analyzed separately according to the biogeographic regions. In general, the species with higher DNA content were found in more stable environments. The bulk of evidence suggests that changes on genome size would have been one of the most important mechanisms that drove or accompanied the diversification of Notolathyrus species.

Cytological and Karyotypic Analyses in Some Populations of Leonurus cardiaca

Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort) is one of the most resistant plants to biotic and abiotic stresses with a number of medicinal properties. In order to investigate the karyotypic variation between six populations of motherwort, this experiment was performed. Root-tip meristems were used for karyotypic evaluation. 8-hydroxy quinoline and ethanol–acetic acid (3:1 V/V) solution were used as pretreatment and fixative solutions, respectively. Chromosomes were stained by 2 % aceto-orcein. Long arm length (L), short arm length (S), total chromosome length (TL), L/S and S/L, overall genome length, the ratio of the longest to the shortest chromosome, and centromeric index were recorded. Result showed that the best root size for chromosome study of this species is 0.50–1.50 cm long and the best time for cutting the roots is about noon time. All the six studied populations were diploid (2n = 2x = 18), and metacentric chromosomes were dominant in all population. In some populations, a few submetacentric chromosomes were also observed. Cluster analysis based on karyotype traits revealed four groups of populations using Euclidean distance.

Cytotaxonomy of two species of genus Chrysolaena H. Robinson, 1988 (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) fromNortheast Paraguay.

Chromosome counts and karyotypes of two species of Chrysolaena H. Robinson 1988 are presented in this paper. Mitotic analysis revealed that both taxa have x=10, a basic chromosome number considered characteristic of the genus. The chromosome number and the karyotype of Chrysolaena cristobaliana are reported for the first time, as well as a new cytotype and the karyotype of Chrysolaena sceptrum. Chrysolaena cristobaliana showed heptaploid cytotype with 2n=7x=70 and a karyotype composed of 46 m + 24 sm chromosomes. On the other hand, Chrysolaena sceptrum presented tetraploid cytotype with 2n=4x=40 and a karyotype with 30 m + 10 sm chromosomes. Accessory chromosomes were observed in cells of both species. The chromosome analysis showed that these species differ in the chromosome number and the total chromosome length, although they showed similar chromosome morphology and asymmetry indexes. The results support the use of chromosome data in taxonomic treatments of the American members of the tribe Vernonieae.

Morphological, karyological features and pollen morphology of endemic Ebenus haussknechtii Bornm. ex Hub.-Mor. from Turkey: A traditional medicinal herb

In this study, morphological, morphometrical, karyological and detailed pollen morphology of Ebenus haussknechtii endemic to Turkey was studied for the first time. In the morphologic study, some morphological and morphometrical features of the plant were observed and compared with the published findings in the Flora of Turkey. Karyogram and idiograms of the plant were also prepared. The chromosome number of E. haussknechtii was determined as 2n=14 and haploid karyotype formula 5m+1sm+1M. Metaphase chromosome length ranged from 2.16 to 1.93μm and the total haploid chromosome length was 17.90μm. The results of the light microscope investigation of the pollen revealed that the pollen grains were radially symmetrical, isopolar, tricolpate and prolate. Measurement of the reticulum heterobrachate indicated their ornamentation to be reticulate.