Comparative karyological analysis of diploid Mimosa diplotricha and hexaploid M. pudica with taxonomic insights

Abstract A comparative cytotaxonomic analysis between Mimosa diplotricha and M. pudica was conducted correlating their chromosomal relationship and taxonomic features. The conventional cytological analysis confirmed the somatic chromosome numbers for both species as 2n = 2x = 26 for M. diplotricha and 2n = 6x = 78 for M. pudica. For M. diplotricha and M. pudica, the average chromosomal length was 1.73 μm and 1.59 μm, respectively, while the total length of the chromosome complements was 44.96 ± 1.47 μm and 123.95 ± 2.23 μm. Both species have distinct GC- and AT-rich repeat numbers and distributions, reflected in the CMA- and DAPI-banding patterns. Karyotypes of both species are classified in the 1 A group by Stebbins’s classification. Higher CVCL, A2, and AI values indicate more advanced characteristics and karyotype asymmetry in M. pudica. Based on taxonomic features, M. pudica seems to be a more advanced species than M. diplotricha, which is supported by karyological observations. Therefore, this comparative cytotaxonomic study highlights its importance for understanding the chromosomal evolution, and it will assist future taxonomic research in the genus. Graphical abstract