BOTANY, TAXONOMY AND CYTOLOGY OF CROCUS KOTSCHYANI SERIES

Dr. R.B. Saxena*

ABSTRACT

The genus crocus L. consists currently of about 160 recognized species, small, corm bearing, perennial species having an old world distribution, primarily in Mediterranean – West Europe and NW Africa to W China, with the center of species diversity on the Balkan Peninsula and in Turkey. Recent phylogenatic analysis proved several infrageneric units within the genus crocus to be para or poly-phyletic. In an attempt to arrive at a system of crocus that closely reflects species relationships, here phylogenetic , morphometric, geographic and nomenclatorial data for the species of narrower-defined, monophyletic crocus series kotschyani. Crocus series kotschyani are closely related, and are difficult to be separated taxonomically and have complex cytology. Botany of crocus kotschyani series, taxonomy of their species and their infra-specific taxa are presented, and their distribution, ecology and phenology; description and chromosome counts are provided with key to their identification.

Keywords: Crocus, Geographic area, Botany, Chromosome, Cytology, Phenology, Kotschyani series.