Abstract
52 population samples from Poland and several European countries were subjected to karyological and chemotaxonomic studies. Two diploid species (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. and V. microcarpum (Turcz, ex Rupr.) Schmalh.) with chromosome number 2n = 24 were found, differing essentially in the chemical composition of their phenol fractions. Besides diploid species, a tetraploid V. oxycoccos L., with the chromosome number 2n = 48 was distinguished. It is, characterized by a high chemical variability. Its chromatograms show spots of compounds characteristic of both subspecies distinguished. No hexaploid V. hagerupii (Löve et Löve) Rothm. with chromosome number 2n = 72 was in the karyologically studied material. Chemical studies of a herbarium sample do not confirm the distinctness of this taxon in relation to V. oxycoccos. The karyological studies, which, however, need replication, have also revealed the presence of a presumed hybrid, V. pseudonanum Keller, with chromosome number 2n = 36. The chromatogram of that taxon is very similar to that of V. oxycoccos L. subsp. microphyllus (Lange) Löve et Löve.
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