Chromosome Cytology of Burniaceae

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Abstract
Chromosome numbers are reported for 21 spp. in 8 genera of Bruniaceae, a small family almost entirely restricted to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, an area with a very distinctive flora. With the only previous count in the family disregarded, a base number of x = 11 is suggested as fundamental in the family. A diploid number of 2n = 22 is recorded in the monotypic and apparently primitive Audouinia. Other genera counted have a base number in the x = 20-23 range and may be paleopolyploid in comparison to Audouina. Staavia, Raspalia and Lonchostoma have x = 22, with the widespread S. radiata tetraploid, 2n = .apprx. 88. Exact base numbers in the remaining genera examined are uncertain owing to difficulties in counting: Pseudobaekia has n = .apprx. 22; Nebelia n = 22 and .apprx. 23; Brunia n = .apprx. 20 and 23; and Berzelia n = 20 and .apprx. 21. B. ecklonii and B. abrotanoides are tetraploid, n = 80-88, while B. intermedia has diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid races.

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