Karyotype evolution and new chromosomal data in Erodium: Chromosome alteration, polyploidy, dysploidy, and symmetrical karyotypes

Chromosomal data are valuable and very useful for revealing evolution and speciation processes. Due to its wide distribution throughout the world, morphological differences, and chromosomal alterations, Erodium L’Hér. is an important genus for investigating the relationship between chromosomal alterations and karyotype evolution. In the present study, the chromosome records of 15 taxa are provided; three are reported here for the first time (E. birandianum, E. gaillardotii, and E. hendrikii), seven present new chromosome numbers, and five are in agreement with previous reports. Karyotype evolution is summarized in the light of this data, and four different genomes are presented in the genus.