Karyomorphology, heterochromatin patterns and evolution in the genus Ophrys (Orchidaceae)

Karyomorphology and relationships between three genera within Orchidinae (Orchidaceae). In the present contribution, karyomorphology, cytological heterochromatin amounts, and chromosomal C-bands distribution, are used as landmarks to study relationships among three genera of the family Orchidaceae, namely, Anacamptis, Ophrys and Serapias. The obtained data suggest a possible pathway of karyotype evolution in which the genus Anacamptis is the one from which both Ophrys and Serapias evolved; the differences in karyomorphology and, possibly, evolutionary rates are discussed in terms of species adaptation.