Chromosome numbers and measurements were recorded in 22 individuals from six populations of six species of Onobrychis, including the Egyptian species and most representatives of section Lophobrychis. The basic number of chromosomes was either x = 7 or x = 8 and the chromosomes were medium to medium‐small, ranging in length, from c. 1.6 μm to 2.6 μm. Two new ploidy levels were found, 2n = 4x = 28 in O. bobrovii Grossh. and 2n = 4x = 32 in O. pulchella Schrenk. The origin of the chromosome numbers, geographical distribution and evolution of the species were assessed. Comparison of the data with those in the literature revealed that the observed interspecific variability among section Lophobrychis can be useful in taxonomic delimitation and demonstrates a complexity of evolution between the diploid and polyploid species. Section Lophobrychis has a comparatively highly derived organization and can be considered as a heterogeneous unit in the genus Onobrychis. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2002, 139, 409–414.

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Chromosome numbers and measurements were recorded in 47 individuals of ten taxa of Primula , representing eight species and two subspecies from ten populations. The basic numbers of chromosomes were x = 8, 9 or 11, and they were mostly metacentric, medium-long to medium-small, ranging in length from c . 3.6 µ m to 1.6 µ m. Diploid chromosome numbers of 2 n = 2 x = 24 and 22 were scored for the first time in P. loeseneri Kitag. and P. prenantha Balf. & Sm., respectively. A new ploidy level of 2 n = 4 x = 44 was found in P. burmanica Balf. & King. The recorded diploid numbers of the remaining species confirmed earlier reports. Interspecific variability in chromosome numbers was correlated with heterogeneity in their mean length. Comparison of the data with those in the literature revealed that the observed variability of chromosomal characters was compatible with the other taxonomic criteria and supports the current taxonomic delimitation. Chromosomal variation at the diploid level is the predominant feature in Primula evolution, and allopatric speciation has played a major role in its specific diversity. Subgen. Aleuritia could represent the main clade from which the other subgenera have evolved. The origin of the chromosome numbers, geographical distribution and evolution of the species were assessed, and the parallel polyphyletic mode of evolution in the genus was confirmed.

SDS-PAGE of seed protein bands profile was recorded in 22 individuals of 6 species of Onobrychis from 6 populations, including the Egyptian species and most representatives of Sect. Lophobrychis. The produced data, in addition to the available morphological, cytological and the geographical characters in the literature were analyzed by the NTSYS program package using the UPGMA clustering method. The interspecific variability within the species studied of the section Lophobrychis was discussed; the genetic and morphological differences between the Egyptian species were assessed.

SEM of seed coat surface and SDS-PAGE of seed protein criteria were used to re-assess the taxonomic relationships between 12 species belonging to three genera of Primulaceae, viz. Cyclamen L. (one species), Lysimachia L. (six species) and Primula L. (five species). The data obtained, in addition to other characters available in the literature, were analyzed by the NTSYS-pc. Program package using the UPGMA clustering method. A considerable divergence was evident between Cyclamen and each of Lysimachia and Primula. A close relationship was recorded between each of Lysimachia lichiangensis Thunb. & L. verticillata Bieb; L.