Thai researchers analysed chromosomes of Habenaria janellehayneana, H. rhodocheila and Nervilia khaoyaica. Both Habenaria had 2n=42 but different karyotypes, while Nervilia had 2n=36. Multivariate analyses separated genera and species, providing taxonomic and conservation baselines without directly measuring population size or extinction risk.
Key findings
- H. janellehayneana and H. rhodocheila both had 2n=42 and NF=84, with formulae 11m+10sm and 21m. N. khaoyaica had 2n=36, NF=72 and 2m+16sm. All karyotypes were symmetrical; PCA separated genera on the first axis and the two Habenaria species on the second.
Why this matters globally
Verified chromosome baselines can refine taxonomy, breeding and germplasm management for rare orchids, especially morphologically similar species or taxa sharing chromosome counts.
Thai researcher contribution
Botany and biology teams from Suranaree University of Technology and Mahasarakham University studied Thai material, characterised chromosomes and linked the results to orchid taxonomy.
Limitations to consider
Only three species were included, and the abstract does not specify numbers of individuals or populations. Intraspecific variation, polyploidy and geographic effects may be missed, while conventional cytology has lower resolution than chromosome painting or genome sequencing.