Cytogenetic studies in four species of Chlorophytum Ker-Gawl. (Liliaceae)

Chlorophytum Ker-Gawl is a large and taxonomically complex genus having two basic chromosome numbers (x = 7 and 8). The genus includes few medicinally important species as well as some ornamentals having horticultural value. The present investigation deals with detailed comaparative chromosome analysis from somatic and gametic cells of two medicinally important (C. borivilianum and C. nepalense) and two ornamental species (C.laxum and C. comosum) of Chlorophytum. Results revealed considerable variation in karyotypic characteristics and meiotic behavior among all the species/cultivars investigated. The results can be effectively used as a comprehensive chromosomal database for future studies.