Diploids and polyploids in the <i>Santolina chamaecyparissus</i> complex (Asteraceae) show different karyotype asymmetry

A traditional karyomorphological approach was carried out in order to investigate the cytotaxonomic relationships among species of Santolina chamaecyparissus complex. All 14 included this complex were analysed for a total 39 populations. Metaphase plates obtained by squashing root tips stained with Feulgen technique. Measurable metaphase available literature also re-analysed. Chromosome number (2n), haploid (monoploid) length (THL), and karyotype asymmetry indices (CVCL MCA) calculated each species. data are provided first time S. benthamiana vedranensis, while new hexaploid cytotype is reported villosa. Five different ploidy levels detected: diploid, triploid (a single individual otherwise diploid virens), tetraploid, pentaploid, hexaploid. Our analyses reveal that polyploids characterized more asymmetric respect diploids. The possible origin polyploids, particular cultivated pentaploid chamaecyparissus, briefly discussed.