Chromosome numbers of some annual Veronica (Plantaginaceae) with report of V. tenuissima from flora of Iran

Abstract

Somatic chromosome numbers of 20 accessions belonging to 10 species of Veronica are counted from Iran. Chromosome numbers of three species are reported for the first time (V. intercedens 2n=2x=14, V. macropoda 2n=2x=14 and V. tenuissima 2n=4x=28) and hitherto unknown ploidy levels are also reported in V. biloba (6x) and V. capillipes (6x). Chromosome count in V. intercedens suggests a basic chromosome number of x=7 for V. subsect. Cardiocarpae. It was realized that polyploidy (sometimes with variable ploidy levels) is very common among members of V. subgen. pocilla which was assumed to be a major factor responsible for different ecological tolerances, allowing these species to inhabit harsh environments and in some cases even invade new habitats beyond their native ranges. Failing to detect diploid specimens, particularly of V. campylopoda, led us to the conclusion that diploid ancestors of some of these polyploid races are either already most likely gone extinct or restricted to some small refuge areas. Veronica tenuissima is also reported from Iran based on materials from south‐east of country. Photographs of living plants and distribution map of V. tenuissima are provided and its conservation status is estimated.

Genome size and ploidy of the German species ofVeronicaL. (Plantaginaceae)

“…2008; Sanchez-Agudo & al. in Marhold & Breitwieser 2011; Doostmohammadi & al. 2021) including one from Germany (Hofelich 1935).…”

“…Albach et al (2008) reported that chromosome numbers are available for 310 of 448 species of Veronica . Since then, chromosome numbers have become available for an additional 10 species (Shiuchi & Kanemonot 2001; Singh et al in Marhold & Kucera 2016; Delgado et al in Marhold & Kucera 2018; Doostmohammadi et al 2021; Ha et al 2022) with another 10 species now newly recognized resulting in chromosome numbers now available for 320 of 458 species (70%). Chromosome numbers are available for all species present in Germany but only 22 (59%) are actually from German plants.…”

A new species of Veronica (Plantaginaceae) from Western Iran

“…However, several new taxa were added afterwards ( Saeidi-Mehrvarz et al 2001 ; Saeidi-Mehrvarz and Assadi 2003 ; Saeidi-Mehrvarz 2005 , 2011 ) and the genus includes 61 species with 18 species endemic to the country according to the latest “Flora of Iran” ( Saeidi-Mehrvarz 2011 ). At least two species have since been added to the flora of Iran ( Doostmohammadi et al 2021 , 2022 ). Among these, most species occur in the Zagros and Alborz (also Elburz) Mountains of Iran, which are important centers of diversity of Veronica .…”