Meiotic analysis of two putative polyploid species of Verben-aceae from Brazil

Abstract

-The natural occurrence of hybrids and polyploids hinders the precise identification of some taxa in Verbenaceae (Lamiales). Since meiotic studies are useful for understanding the chromosomal behavior of plant species, we have examined the meiotic stages and chromosomal behavior of Lippia alba (Mill) N. E. Brown and Lantana camara Plum. in Brazil. Lippia alba and Lantana camara, had normal stages of meiosis, including interphase, leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, initial diakinesis, diakinesis, metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I, prophase II and telophase II. Fifteen and 22 bivalents were observed during diplotene and diakinesis in L. alba and L. camara, respectively. The chromosomes segregated normally during anaphase I, telophase I and II. The regular meiotic behavior seen in L. alba and L. camara indicated that polyploidy was established by a diploid-like behavior in meiosis, although this did not exclude a possible diploid origin.