Meiotic behavior and pollen fertility of five species in the genus Epimedium

Meiotic behavior and pollen fertility were analysed in five Epimedium species: Epimedium chlorandrum, Epimedium acuminatum, Epimedium davidii, Epimedium ecalcaratum and Epimedium pubescens. Chromosome numbers for five species were 2n = 2x = 12. All examined species displayed stable meiotic process and high pollen fertility (>76.67%). Meiotic abnormality partially affected pollen fertility. At metaphase I, the predominant chromosome configuration was 6II, and occasionally, 5II + 2I. A low frequency of meiotic abnormalities was recorded in five species. Chromosome bridges, laggards and micronuclei were the main abnormalities observed in Epimedium. “Diagonal bridge” was first found in E. chlorandrum due to the altered spindle axis. Polyad was only presented in E. davidii and might have resulted from abnormal cytokinesis. Pollen fertility was correlated with meiotic abnormality.