Summary Background and aims: Zephyranthes mesochloa, is a bulbous species with white flowers that inhabits the subtropical región of South America and presents different chromosome numbers. The aim of this work is to carry out the chromosome analysis of Z. mesochloa from northern Argentina, to contribute to the cytogenetic knowledge of the genus. M&M: Ploidy levels and somatic chromosome numbers were determined in individuals from 8 populations in northern Argentina using conventional staining. In addition, meiotic preparations with acetic carmine were performed on individuals from one population. Results: Seventy-five percent of the populations were diploid, with 2n = 2x = 12 and presented a karyotypic formula of 4m + 4sm + 4st. In two of the diploid populations, individuals with 2n = 13 were observed, with the presence of an additional metacentric chromosome, possibly a B chromosome. Microsporogenesis analysis, in diakinesis and metaphase I, of aneuploid cytotype (2n = 13), showed six bivalents and one univalent in all pollen mother cells analyzed. The remaining populations (25%) were tetraploids with 2n = 4x = 24 and karyotypic formula 8m + 8sm + 8st. Geographically, the distribution of cytotypes in Z. mesochloa is discontinuous. Conclusions: The duplicate karyotype formula in tetraploids regarding its con-specific diploids may indicate the origin of an autopolyploid cytotype. The available data allows us to consider the group of cytotypes as part of a polyploid complex with a basic number of x = 6.

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: Zephyranthes mesochloa es una especie bulbosa de flores blancas que habita en la región subtropical del sur de Sudamérica y registra distintos números cromosómicos. El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar cromosómicamente individuos de la especie Z. mesochloa del norte de Argentina, con el objeto de contribuir al conocimiento citogenético del género. M&M: El nivel de ploidía y el número cromosómico somático se determinó en individuos procedentes de 8 poblaciones del norte de Argentina a partir de tinción convencional. Además, se realizaron preparaciones meióticas con carmín acético en individuos de una de las poblaciones. Resultados: El 75% de las poblaciones resultaron diploides, con 2n = 2x = 12 y fórmula cariotípica 4m + 4sm + 4st. En dos de las poblaciones diploides se observaron individuos con 2n = 13, con presencia de un cromosoma metacéntrico adicional, que posiblemente se trate de un cromosoma B. El análisis de la microsporogénesis, en diacinesis y metafase I, del citotipo aneuploide (2n = 13), mostró 6 bivalentes y 1 univalente en todas las células madre del polen analizadas. Las poblaciones restantes (25%), resultaron tetraploides con 2n = 4x = 24 y fórmula cariotípica 8m + 8sm + 8st. Geográficamente, la distribución de los citotipos de Z. mesochloa es discontinua. Conclusiones: La fórmula cariotípica duplicada en los tetraploides con respecto a los diploides conespecíficos indicarían un origen autopoliploide de este citotipo. El conjunto de datos disponibles permite considerar al conjunto de citotipos como un complejo poliploide con número básico x = 6.

Resumen Gianini Aquino, A. C.; M. González Flores, A. I. Honfi & J. R. Daviña. 2023. Patrones de heterocromatina en cuatro especies diploides de Zephyranthes con diferentes números básicos de cromosomas (Amaryllidaceae). Darwiniana, nueva serie 11(2): 705-718. Diversos cariotipos especie-específicos han sido reportados en Zephyranthes Herb., así como también varios números básicos de cromosomas (x = 5, 6, 7 y 9) aunque el más frecuente es x = 6. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el patrón de heterocromatina constitutiva (C-Het) de los cariotipos de cuatro especies diploides de Zephyranthes. Se presenta por primera vez un análisis citomolecular de los cariotipos de Z. andalgalensis (2n = 2x = 12 = 4 m + 2 sm), Z. chacoensis (2n = 2x = 12 = 3 m + 2 sm + 1 st), Z. robusta (2n = 2x = 12 = 3 m + 2 sm + 1 st), y Z. pedunculosa (2n = 2x = 14 = 1 m + 3 sm + 3 st). Se encontró que todas las especies estudiadas exhiben bandas terminales CMA+ terminal que pueden ser distinguidas por su patrón heterocromático. Curiosamente, también se encontraron bandas intersticiales DAPI+ en el cariotipo de Z. robusta. Los cuatro patrones C-Het de Zephyranthes analizados muestran que las especies diploides tienen poca heterocromatina rica en guanina-citosina, que generalmente se asocia con satélites terminales, y que la heterocromatina rica en adenina-timina es rara. Se discute en el presente estudio el cambio evolutivo disploide entre dos números cromosómicos básicos (x = 6 y 7).

Abstract Gianini Aquino, A. C.; M. González Flores, A. I. Honfi & J. R. Daviña. 2023. Heterochromatin patterns in four diploid Zephyranthes species with different basic chromosome number (Amaryllidaceae). Darwiniana, nueva serie 11(2): 705-718. Diverse species-specific karyotypes have been reported within Zephyranthes Herb., as well as different basic chromosome numbers (x = 5, 6, 7, and 9), with x = 6 being the most common. The aim of this work was to analyze the constitutive heterochromatin (C-Het) pattern of karyotypes in four diploid Zephyranthes species. For this purpose, a cytomolecular analysis of the karyotypes of Z. andalgalensis (2n = 2x = 12 = 4 m + 2 sm), Z. chacoensis (2n = 2x = 12 = 3 m + 2 sm + 1 st), Z. robusta (2n = 2x = 12 = 3 m + 2 sm + 1 st), and Z. pedunculosa (2n = 2x = 14 = 1 m + 3 sm + 3 st) was performed for the first time. All the species analyzed showed CMA+ terminal bands that could be distinguished by their heterochromatin pattern. Interestingly, DAPI+ interstitial bands were also found in the karyotype of Z. robusta. The four Zephyranthes C-Het patterns analyzed show that diploid species have little GC-rich heterochromatin, which is generally associated with terminal satellites, and that AT-rich heterochromatin is rare. The dysploidy evolutionary change between two basic chromosome numbers (x = 6 and 7) is discussed in the present study.

Abstract Reutemann, A. V.; E. J. Martínez, J. R. Daviña, D. H. Hojsgaard & A. I. Honfi. 2021. The karyotype of diploid and tetraploid Paspalum cromyorrhizon (Poaceae, Panicoideae, Paspaleae). Darwiniana, nueva serie 9(2): 375-386. Paspalum cromyorrhizon Trin. ex Döll is a species adapted to low and humid fields, river and stream banks, throughout S Brazil, Uruguay and NE Argentine. Diploids (2n = 2x = 20) and tetraploids (2n = 4x = 40) from natural populations of P. cromyorrhizon from Corrientes (Argentina) were used to analyse the karyotype morphometry of both cytotypes. The chromosome count was performed using classical Feulgen staining. The karyotype of diploid P. cromyorrhizon has 20 metacentric chromosomes, while the tetraploid has a karyotype of 40 metacentric chromosomes. The total length of the chromosomal complement in diploids is 32.5 μm and in tetraploids 63.5 μm, the total monoploid chromosome length is 15.48 μm in diploids and 15.21 μm in tetraploids and both karyotypes are symmetrical. Karyotype analysis confirms the autopolyploid origin proposed for tetraploids.

Resumen Reutemann, A.V.; E. J. Martínez, J. R. Daviña, D. H. Hojsgaard & A. I. Honfi. 2021. El cariotipo de Paspalum cromyorrhizon diploide y tetraploide (Poaceae, Panicoideae, Paspaleae). Darwiniana, nueva serie 9(2): 375-386. Paspalum cromyorrhizon Trin. ex Döll es una especie adaptada a los campos bajos y húmedos, márgenes de ríos y arroyos, en el S de Brasil, Uruguay y NE de Argentina. Se utilizaron individuos diploides (2n = 2x = 20) y tetraploides (2n = 4x = 40) provenientes de poblaciones naturales de P. cromyorrhizon de Corrientes (Argentina) para confeccionar un idiograma del cariotipo de ambos citotipos. El recuento cromosómico se realizó mediante tinción clásica de Feulgen. El citotipo diploide de P. cromyorrhizon presenta un cariotipo compuesto por 20 cromosomas metacéntricos, mientras que el citotipo tetraploide tiene un cariotipo compuesto por 40 cromosomas metacéntricos. La longitud total del complemento cromosómico en diploides es de 32,5 μm y en tetraploides de 63,5 μm, la longitud cromosómica total monoploide es de 15,48 μm en diploides y de 15,21 μm en tetraploides y ambos cariotipos resultaron simétricos. El análisis de los cariotipos confirma el origen autopoliploide propuesto para los tetraploides.

Summary Background and aims : Paspalum lilloi (Poaceae) is a diploid species, endemic of Iguazú Waterfalls and nearby areas. The reproductive biology and current geographical distribution of this species are poorly known. The aims of this work were to determine the genetic system and to delimit the endemism area and conservation status of the species. M&M : The genetic system was determined by cytoembryological analysis of ovules, viability and in vivo germination of pollen grains, pollen-pistils compatibility, fertility and flow cytometry of single seeds. Herbarium specimens and our collection sites delimited the geographical distribution. Results : Meiotic embryo sacs of Polygonum type were observed in all analyzed ovules. No evidence of apomixis was detected. The mean pollen viability and in vivo pollen germination was 95.2% and 41.8%, respectively. The pollen tube growth in the selfed stigmas was 59.2 ± 6.39 pm / 3h. Seed set in self-pollination was 93.6 % and decreased to 52.7 % when there was heterospecific pollen available. Seeds analyzed by flow cytometric seed screen showed an embryo: endosperm ratio 2:3 indicated a sexual origin. Paspalum lilloi is a reophile and rupicolous species, specialized in fast-moving waters of waterfalls and it is a critically endangered endemism of Iguazu Waterfalls, in South America. Conclusions : P lilloi is sexual, self-compatible and self-fertile species. Has a highly specialized habitat, which conservation will be a key step to avoid its extinction.

Resumen Introducción y objetivos : Paspalum lilloi (Poaceae) es una especie diploide y endémica de las Cataratas del Iguazú y áreas circundantes, cuya biología reproductiva y área de distribución geográfica actual es desconocida. Los objetivos de este trabajo son conocer su sistema genético y delimitar la distribución y estado de conservación del endemismo. M&M : El sistema genético se determinó mediante citoembriología de sacos embrionarios, viabilidad y germinación in vivo de granos de polen, compatibilidad polen-pistilo, fertilidad y análisis de semillas por citometría de flujo. El área de distribución geográfica se delimitó mediante especímenes de herbario y colecciones propias. Resultados : Se observaron sacos embrionarios meióticos de tipo Polygonum en todos los óvulos analizados. La viabilidad media y germinación in vivo del polen fue de 95,22% y 41,79%, respectivamente. La tasa de crecimiento medio del tubo polínico en el estigma propio fue de 59,2 ± 6,39 pm / 3h. La producción de semillas en autopolinización fue del 93,61% y disminuyó al 52,72% cuando hay oferta de polen heteroespecífico. Los cariopsis analizados por citometría de flujo mostraron una relación de ploidía embrión: endospermo 2: 3, indicando un origen sexual. Paspalum lilloi es una especie reófila, rupícola y adaptada a saltos y cascadas, cuyo endemismo está en peligro crítico y circunscripto a las Cataratas del Iguazú. Conclusiones : P. lilloi es una especie sexual, autocompatible y autofértil, adaptada a hábitats altamente especializados, cuya conservación resultará clave para evitar su extinción.

Resumo Lessingianthus plantaginoides (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) é um pequeno arbusto com tetraploidia natural que habita as formações rochosas da América do Sul. A população estudada ocorre e se estende por uma região de uma reserva privada com elevada biodiversidade local e endemismos de animais e vegetais. Com o intuito de fornecer conhecimentos sobre a citologia desta espécie tetraploide, realizamos um estudo ontogenético dos gametófitos masculinos e femininos de L. plantaginoides; fizemos uma análise meiótica detalhada e avaliamos a fertilidade desta espécie; documentamos e demos destaque às implicações taxonômicas dos seus aspectos reprodutivos. Lessingianthus plantaginoides apresentou os seguintes traços dos gametófitos masculinos e femininos: desenvolvimento da parede da antera é do tipo dicotiledôneo, tétrades tetraédricas, grãos de pólen maduros tricelular; desenvolvimento do megásporo calazal, saco embrionário monospórico e desenvolvimento do megagametófito tipo Polygonum. O comportamento meiótico é regular, os esporos são tétrades de igual tamanho e os grãos de pólen são altamente tingíveis. Lessingianthus plantaginoides é um autotetraplóide com alta diplodização que se reproduz sexualmente e tem uma elevada regularidade meiótica; o que é aparentemente responsável pelo seu potencial de colonização. Ao que tudo indica a especiação poliplóide desempenha um papel significativo no estabelecimento e diversificação do gênero.

Abstract Lessingianthus plantaginoides (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) is a small natural tetraploid shrub that inhabits rocky highlands from South America. The population studied inhabits and covers an extensive region of a private reserve with high local biodiversity and animal and plant endemisms. With the purpose of providing insights into the cyto-embryology of this tetraploid species, the aims of this study were: to perform an ontogenetic study of the male and female gametophytes of L. plantaginoides; to carry out detailed meiotic analysis and evaluate the fertility of this species; to document and provide highlights on taxonomic implications of their reproductive aspects. Lessingianthus plantaginoides presented the following male and female gametophyte traits: dicotyledonous type of anther wall development, tetrahedral tetrads, 3-celled mature pollen grains; development of the chalazal megaspore, monosporic embryo sac and Polygonum type of megagametophyte development. The meiotic behavior was regular, the spores were tetrads of equal size and the pollen grains were highly stainable. Lessingianthus plantaginoides is a highly diplodized autotetraploid that reproduces sexually and has high meiotic regularity; which is apparently responsible for its colonization potential. It now seems certain that polyploid speciation plays a significant role in the establishment and diversification of the genus.

ABSTRACT Grama-tio-pedro (Paspalum oteroi Swallen) is a rare stoloniferous grass of the Plicatula group of Paspalum, well adapted to continuous grazing in areas subject to seasonal flooding in the Pantanal region, in central western Brazil. The species is a facultative apomictic (asexual reproduction by seed) tetraploid, sporadically cultivated on Pantanal farms, propagated either by cuttings or seed. Due to its potential for extensive cultivation and forage quality, Grama-tio-pedro appears as a candidate for genetic improvement within the Plicatula group through plant breeding. We used a colchicine-induced sexual autotetraploid genotype of P. plicatulum Michx. to obtain interspecific hybrids using the apomictic species, P. oteroi, as pollen donor. The very similar meiotic chromosome behavior observed in both parents, with main quadrivalent and bivalent associations, suggested that P. oteroi is a natural autotetraploid. The hybrids showed less irregular meiotic behavior with fewer quadrivalents and more bivalents than either parent. Fertility among interspecific hybrids varied from complete sterility in some of them to seed productions in others that were approximately twice as much as for either parent. The great variability of seed set performance may well be a drastic genetic consequence of joining two homologous chromosome sets of P. plicatulum together with two homologous sets of P. oteroi that, in turn, have some homeology between them. Most hybrids reproduce by sexual means, thus, they could be used as female parents in backcrosses and in crosses with other species of the Plicatula group for interspecific gene transferring in breeding programs.

The aim of the present study was to characterize karyologically species of Passiflora L. from Félix Pérez Cardozo District, Guairá, Paraguay. The chromosome numbers in meiosis 2n = 9II for P. alata Curtis and P. caerulea L. are reported for the first time. Chromosome number for P. edulis Sims (2n = 9II) is also confirmed. Meiotic behaviour in all studied species was normal with regular chromosome segregation. The most frequent chromosome associations were bivalents at diakinesis and metaphase I. Few meiotic irregularities were observed, such as lagging chromosomes and asynchronous phases of meiosis II, however, pollen viability was high, between 78.83% and 98.6%. The obtained results confirms x = 9 as the basic chromosome number for subgenus Passiflora. The present study is a relevant contribution to the knowledge on the cytogenetics of species of Passiflora subg Passiflora from Paraguay.

El presente trabajo tuvo por objeto caracterizar cariológicamente las especies del género Passiflora L., subgénero Passiflora, del Distrito Félix Pérez Cardozo, Guairá, Paraguay. Por primera vez, se da a conocer el número cromosómico en meiosis 2n = 9II para P. alata Curtis y P. caerulea L. También, se confirma el número cromosómico de 2n = 9II para P. edulis Sims. El comportamiento meiótico en todas las especies estudiadas fue normal, con segregación regular de los cromosomas. La asociación cromosómica frecuentemente encontrada en diacinesis y metafase I fue de bivalentes. Las pocas irregularidades meióticas observadas consistieron en cromosomas rezagados en anafase I y fases asincrónicas en meiosis II, sin embargo, la viabilidad de polen es alta, entre 78,83% y 98,6%. Los resultados confirman x = 9 como número básico para el subgénero Passiflora. Este estudio es una importante contribución al conocimiento sobre la citogenética de las especies de Passiflora subg Passiflora de Paraguay.

Chromosome numbers, karyotypes and meiotic behaviour in 10 populations belonging to two species of Callisia Loefl. from Northeast Argentina have been studied. Callisia repens showed a basic number of x = 6 and that of C. monandra was x = 7. Both species were diploids and this is the first report of the chromosome numbers for Argentinean populations: C. repens, 2n = 2x = 12 and C. monandra 2n = 2x = 14. The karyotype descriptions of C. repens (2 m + 2 sm + 6 st + 2 t) and C. monandra (6 m + 4 sm + 4 st) are also reported here for the first time for both species. Chromosomes behaved regularly at meiosis, pair as bivalents and produced viable pollen in the Callisia accessions studied. Chiasmata frequency and distribution are reported and this meiotic analysis constituted a novelty for each species. The information provided in this paper is useful for the cytogenetics diagnosis of the genus and the subtribe and contribute to understand relationships between taxa.

Se han analizado los números cromosómicos, los cariotipos y el comportamiento meiótico en 10 poblaciones pertenecientes a dos especies de Callisia Loefl. provenientes del Nordeste de Argentina. Callisia repens mostró un número básico x = 6 mientras que el de C. monandra fue x = 7. Ambas especies fueron diploides y éste es el primer reporte de los números cromosómicos para poblaciones Argentinas: C. repens, 2n = 2x = 12 y C. monandra 2n = 2x = 14. Las descripciones cariotípicas de C. repens (2 m + 2 sm + 6 st + 2 t) y C. monandra (6 m + 4 sm + 4 st) también han sido analizadas por primera vez para ambas especies. En meiosis, los cromosomas se comportaron regularmente, se aparearon como bivalentes y produjeron polen viable en ambas especies de Callisia estudiadas. Se analizó la frecuencia y distribución de quiasmas y este análisis meiótico también constituye una novedad para cada especie. La información que se provee en este trabajo es útil para la diagnosis citogenética del género y la subtribu así como para contribuir a la comprensión de las relaciones entre los taxa.

Acmella bellidioides is a perennial small herb that naturally grows in north-east Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The species belongs to section Megaglottis and it has a chromosome number of n = 13. It exhibits a wide range of morphological variation that has created difficult in distinguishing it from closely related species of this section. Acmella bellidioides was collected in open fields with sandy and stony soils. Classical cytogenetic techniques were applied to analyze chromosomes at mitosis, examine behavior during microsporogenesis, and determine its karyotype. Acmella bellidioides is diploid with 2n = 2x = 26 small size chromosomes (2.22 - 4.01 µm) and 39.25 µm/genome. Its karyotype, 12m + 10sm + 4st is unimodal (A2 = 0.16 / R = 1.80) and slightly asymmetrical (A1 = 0.42 / i = 35.88 / r>2 = 0.54 / AI = 3.69) (3A Stebbins category). Chromosome pair No. 9 (sm) has a terminal macrosatellite in the short arm. Microsporogenesis is normal and produces viable pollen grains (>90%). Meiotic behavior is regular. In PMC at diakinesis and metaphase I, 13 bivalents were observed. This is the first karyotypic study in Acmella. Our record of 2n = 2x = 26 chromosomes agrees with the basic number x = 13 proposed for the genus and for section Megaglottis, regarded as most ancestral. This might be regarded, therefore, as the basic karyotypic description for Acmella.

Acmella bellidioides es una hierba perenne pequeña, que crece naturalmente en las provincias del nordeste de Argentina, en Brasil, Paraguay y Uruguay. Pertenece a la sección Megaglottis, presenta número cromosómico gamético n = 13 y exhibe un amplio rango de variación morfológica que ha hecho difícil separarla de especies muy cercanas de la misma sección. Acmella bellidioides fue coleccionada en campos abiertos, de suelo arenoso y rocoso y se aplicaron técnicas citogenéticas convencionales para analizar sus cromosomas en mitosis, su comportamiento en la microsporogénesis y para confeccionar su cariotipo. Acmella bellidioides es diploide con 2n = 2x = 26 cromosomas de tamaño pequeño (2,22 - 4,01µm) y 39,25 µm/genoma. Su cariotipo, 12m + 10sm + 4st, es unimodal (A2 = 0,16 / R = 1,80) y levemente asimétrico (A1 = 0,42 / i = 35,88 / r>2 = 0,54 / AI = 3,69) (Categoría 3A de Stebbins). El par 9 (sm) presenta un macrosatélite terminal y constricción secundaria en el brazo corto. La microsporogénesis es normal y produce polen viable (>90%). El comportamiento meiótico es regular. En CMP en diacinesis y metafase I se observan 13 bivalentes. Éste es el primer estudio cariotípico en Acmella. Nuestro registro de 2n = 2x = 26 cromosomas coincide con el número básico x = 13 propuesto para el género y para Megaglottis, la sección más ancestral. Por lo tanto, ésta es la descripción del cariotipo básico de Acmella.

The center of diversity of Argentinean orchids is in the northeast region of the country. Chromosome numbers and karyotype features of 43 species belonging to 28 genera are presented here. Five chromosome records are the first ones at the genus level; these taxa are Aspidogyne kuckzinskii (2n = 42), Eurystyles actinosophila (2n = 56), Skeptrostachys paraguayensis (2n = 46), Stigmatosema polyaden (2n = 40) and Zygostates alleniana (2n = 54). In addition, a chromosome number is presented for the first time for 15 species: Corymborkis flava (2n = 56), Cyclopogon callophyllus (2n = 28), C. oliganthus (2n = 64), Cyrtopodium hatschbachii (2n = 46), C. palmifrons (2n = 46), Galeandra beyrichii (2n = 54), Habenaria bractescens (2n = 44), Oncidium edwallii (2n = 42), O. fimbriatum (2n = 56), O. pubes (2n = 84), O. riograndense (2n = 56), Pelexia ekmanii (2n = 46), P. lindmanii (2n = 46) and Warrea warreana (2n = 48). For Oncidium longicornu (2n = 42), O. divaricatum (2n = 56) and Sarcoglottis fasciculata (2n = 46+1B?, 46+3B?), a new cytotype was found. Chromosome data support phylogenetic relationships proposed by previous cytological, morphologic and molecular analyses, and in all the cases cover some gaps in the South American literature on orchid chromosomes.

Commelina benghalensis is a small herb native to tropical Africa and Asia but introduced elsewhere. In America it was found growing at open fields, border of woods and cultivated areas (south USA, Mexico, West Indies, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay) as a weed or invasive plant and its difficult manage causes economic damages in diverse agroecosystems all over the world. Commelina benghalensis was found at a border of Misiones' forest (Argentina, Misiones Province, Guaraní Departament, El Soberbio, 27°17'54.5"S; 54°12' 19"W) and classical cytogenetic techniques were applied in order to analyze its genetic system. Commelina benghalensis is a diploid with 2n = 2x = 22 median size chromosomes (4.05 - 6.60 um) and55.04 urn/genome. Itskaryotype, 8/w + 10í/w + 4ííisunimodal(A2=0.14/R= 1.63) and slightly asymmetrical (Aj = 0.44 / i = 34.75 / r>2 = 0.55) (3A Stebbins category). Chromosome pair No. 11 (si) has a terminal macrosatellite in the short arm and presumably carry the active NOR. Microsporogénesis is normal and produces viable polen grains (>80%). Meiotic behaviour is regular. In PMC at diakinecis / metaphase 1,11 bivalents were observed, mainly rings (92.7%) with distal chiasmata (96.7%) and an average of chiasmata / bivalent = 1.90. The meiotic system in conjuntion with a particular breeding system promotes a high genetic homogeneity, and suggests that this species has coadapted features with adaptative advantages allowing an invader behaviour.

Commelina benghalensis es una hierba pequeña, nativa de Africa y Asia tropical, aunque en la actualidad crece en casi todo el mundo. En América se la reporta creciendo en campo abierto, borde de bosques y áreas cultivadas (sur de USA, México, Antillas, Guyana Francesa, Brasil, Bolivia, Paraguay) como maleza o invasora y su difícil control causa pérdidas económicas importantes en diversos agroecosistemas de todo el mundo. Commelina benghalensis fue encontrada en un borde de selva misionera (Argentina, Provincia de Misiones, Departamento Guaraní, El Soberbio, 27°17'54,5"S; 54°12' 19"W), y se aplicaron técnicas citogenéticas tradicionales para analizar su sistema genético. Commelina benghalensis es diploide con 2n = 2x = 22 cromosomas de tamaño medio (4,05 - 6,60 um) y 55,04 um/genoma. Su cariotipo, 8/w +1 Qsm + 4st es unimodal (A2= 0,14 / R = 1,63) y levemente asimétrico (Al = 0,44 / i = 34,75 / r>2 = 0,55) (Categoría 3A de Stebbins). El par n° 11 (si) presenta un macrosatélite terminal y constricción secundaria en el brazo corto que posiblemente lleve los NOR activos. La microsporogénesis es normal y produce polen viable (>80%). El comportamiento meiótico es regular. En CMP en diacinesis / metafase I se observan 11 bivalentes, mayormente cerrados (92,7%) con quiasmas distales (96,7%) y un promedio de quiasmas / bivalente = 1,90. Su sistema meiótico junto con un particular sistema reproductivo promueven una alta homogeneidad genética y sugieren caracteres coadaptados que le confieren a esta especie ventajas adaptativas como colonizadora.