NEW CHROMOSOME COUNTS OF SIX TAXA OF CARDUEAE (ASTERACEAE) IN IRAN

In this study, the chromosome numbers of six Iranian taxa belonging to tribe Cardueae were counted. The chromosome numbers in Jurinea cartilaginea Mozaff. 2n=30, J. carduiformis (Juab. & Spach) Boiss. 2n=34, Aegopordon berardioides Boiss. 2n=34, Nikitinia leptoclada (Bornm. & Sint.) Iljin 2n=30, Centaurea amadanensis Schultz-Bip. var. gymnoclada (Jaub. & Spach) Wagenitz 2n=18 and Cousinia argentea Mehregan & Assadi 2n=26 were determined. Of the chromosome counts reported four are new to the world. Based on this study, three taxonomic changes are confirmed and a new suggestion is presented here.