Karyological studies of Erigeron breviscapus and related species

A karyological study was carried out on 37 populations of Erigeron breviscapus across its distribution region. All populations of the Erigeron breviscapus studied are diploid (2n = 2x = 18). Various chromosome morphologies were revealed, but didn't show clear geographical pattern. Karyological studies were also firstly carried out on two closely related species: Erigeron multiradiatus and Erigeron multifolius, both species are diploid with the chromosome number of 2n = 2x = 18. Combining the available chromosome studies, the Erigeron has relatively consistent chromosome diversification with a basic number of 9, and most species contain diploid individuals, which suggested Erigeron at the initial phase of polyploid diversification.