Polyploidy in Paullinia (Paullinieae, Sapindaceae) and its Systematic Implications

Abstract

Abstract—Chromosome counts from 23 populations of 16 species of Paullinia (Paullinieae, Sapindaceae) from South America are given. These include first counts for ten species in six of the thirteen sections of this genus. Counts of 2n = 24 for P. cristata, P. revoluta, P. thalictrifolia, P. trigonia, P. uloptera, P. rhomboidea; 2n = 48 for P. seminuda and P. sp.; and two cytotypes of 2n = 48 and 2n = 96 for P. carpopoda and P. rubiginosa; and ca. 2n = 216 for P. cupana var. sorbilis. The chromosome number 2n = 24 appears to be conserved for this genus, however, in this contribution polyploid series are cited for the first time for some native species. These results were interpreted in a phylogenetic context.