Fritillaria (Liliaceae) are a genus of perennial bulbous plants with medicinal and
ornamental importance. They are widely distributed in temperate regions of the northern
hemisphere and are considered as novelty flowers on the ornamental market. In this study a
genetic analysis of chromosome karyotypes of nine Fritillaria spp. in three subgenera was
carried out using root tip squashes. Except for F. uva-vulpis, which is triploid (2n = 3x = 33),
the other eight Fritillaria species are diploid (2n = 2x = 24). The karyotypes of F. pallidiflora,
F. tortifolia and F. verticillata var. albiflora are 2B, while F. imperialis, F. uva-vulpis, F.
verticillate, F. yunminensis, F. anhuiensis and F. karelinii are 3B. In addition, results of a
clustering analysis using the karyotype near-resemblance coefficient conducted among the
eight diploid species support the current classification of the Fritillaria L. subgenera. This
study provides cytological evidence for phylogenetics and crossbreeding.