Chromosome numbers counts in the subtribe Erantheminae (Acanthaceae) from China

The somatic chromosome numbers were counted in seven species of the subtribe Erantheminae from various localities in China. The chromosome numbers were determined as 2n=2x=28 in Echinacanthus lofouensis, Ec. longipes and Ec. longzhouensis, 2n=8x=88 in Eranthemum austrosinense, 2n=4x=44 in Er. pulchellum, 2n=2x=28 in Leptosiphonium venustum and 2n=2x=28 in Pararuellia glomerata. Combined with existing reports, it is inferred that x=14 may represent the original basic chromosome number for Echinacanthus and Pararuellia, and x=11 for Eranthemum. The results support the close relationship between Echinacanthus and other genera of Erantheminae. This study enriches the cytogenetic data for seven species and provides a basis for the taxonomy of four genera in terms of chromosomal characteristics.