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Detailed chromosome counts have been made in 61 species, belonging to 33 genera ofRutaceae. 30 of these species are reported here for the first time. For 18 species at least one previous publication gives a chromosome number differing from that reported here. Such discrepancies are, in most cases, due to errors in counting or identification of the material. By critically reviewing the literature on each particular case, it appears possible to eliminate most of the false data. On the basis of the present results, the base number x = 10 is proposed for the genusRuta.

Azima tetracantha has an asymmetrical karyotype with large chromosomes and a large amount of heterochromatin. The haploid number (n = 11) may represent the base number of the family. However, a possible secondary origin of this base number is also considered.

The chromatin structure of six diploids species ofCostus was analysed using conventional Giemsa staining, C-banding and DAPI/CMA fluorochromes. The interphase nuclei in all the species show an areticulate structure and the prophase chromosomes show large blocks of proximal condensed chromatin. After banding procedures, each chromosome exhibits only centromeric dot-like DAPI+/CMA- C-bands whereas the satellites (one pair at each karyotype) are weakly stained after C-banding and show a DAPI-/CMA+ fluorescence. Two chromocentres show bright fluorescence with CMA and weak staining after C-banding whereas the others chromocentres show only a small fraction of DAPI+ heterochromatin. These results were interpreted to mean that the greater part of the condensed chromatin has an euchromatic nature whereas two types of well localized heterochromatin occur in a small proportion. The Z-stage analysis suggests that heterochromatin and condensed euchromatin decondense at different times. The chromosome number and morphology of all species are given and the implications of the condensed euchromatin are discussed.