Abstract: The chromosome number and karyotype of Camellia azalea were reported here for the first time . The species showed in somatic cells the round prochromosome type of the interphase nuclei and the interstitial type of the prophase chromosomes. It was a diploid , and the karyotype could be formulated as 2n = 2x = 30 = 28m (1SAT ) + 2sm, belonging to Stebbins’1B type. The third, fourth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth chromosomes had secondary constriction respectively, and one satellite had been found on the fifteenth chromosome. The cytological results supported the suggestion that C. azalea was primitive species in Sect . Camellia of the genus Camellia. A clue on selecting parents was also proposed due to the chromosome numbers and the position in Sect. Camellia.

Key words: Camellia azalea

摘要： 报道了杜鹃红山茶( Camellia azalea) 的细胞学资料。其间期核为球形前染色体型, 有丝分裂前期染色体为中间型。核型公式为2n = 2x = 30 = 28m (1SAT ) + 2sm, 核型类型属于Stebbins 的1B 型。第3、4、9、10、11、12 条染色体的长臂上具有次缢痕, 第15 条染色体的短臂上具随体。细胞学证据支持杜鹃红山茶在山茶组中较为原始的推断, 并为人工杂交育种时亲本的选择提出了一些建议。

关键词: 杜鹃红山茶, 核型, 育种