Study on Karyotypes of SixRanunculusSpecies in Sichuan

The somatic chromosome number and detailed chromosome morphology of six Ranunculusspecies in Sichuan were studied. The results show that their chromosome numbers are 2n=16 forR.tanguticus, 2n=32 forR.nephelogenes, 2n=16 forR.ficariifolius, 2n=32 for R.sceleratus, 2n=14 forR.japonicus, and 2n=16 forR.silerifolius. From these chromosomal data, the genetical relationships of four sections inRanunculuswere discussed. The conclusion is that sect.Ranunculus among the four sections shows an advanced level in evolution.