Karyological studies and taxonomic notes for some representatives of Crocus biflorus aggregate (Iridaceae)

Crocus biflorus aggregate is the most complex group of the genus in terms of its taxonomy and cytology. In the present study, a karyological analysis of six Crocus species in the C. biflorus aggregate (i.e. C. adanensis, C. aerius, C. alexandri, C. almehensis, C. cyprius, and C. danfordiae) was conducted. Plants were collected from wild localities and analysed to determine the chromo?some number, karyotype morphology and karyotype indices. The results are presented along with some taxonomic notes and show significant variation in both chromosome number and morphology among the taxa of this particularly complex group. The key findings have been identified. Crocus adanensis (2n = 14) the karyotype consists of metacentric, submetacentric, and acro?centric chromosomes. Crocus aerius (2n = 22) features large satellites on its acrocentric chromosomes, while C. alexandri (2n = 8 + 1-4B) shows submetacentric and acrocentric chromosomes, with additional B-chromosomes. Crocus almehensis (2n = 20) has the smallest chromosomes, mostly submetacentric and C. cyprius (2n = 10) exhibits large, mostly acrocentric (st) chromosomes. Crocus danfordiae (2n = 8) presents both heteromorphic and homomorphic cytotypes, indicating potential hybrid origins. These findings contribute to understanding the cytological diversity and evolution within the C. biflorus aggregate.