On chromosome uniformity, bimodality and evolution in the tribe Aloineae (Asphodelaceae)

Abstract

Variable AC-segments (allocyclic chromosome segments) are present in all the species of the tribe Aloineae and are an indication of karyotype evolution and speciation in progress. In all species, the karyotype is very uniform and this uniformity may be the consequence of climatic stability and of similarity of habitat. All the species in the tribe possess a bimodal chromosome complement, a special character of ancient origin present in many organisms both vegetable and animal with a bearing on gene recombination and on evolution.

Key words:

• AC-segments
• Aloineae
• chromosome bimodality
• crossing-over
• speciation