Article

Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss. ex Schult. (Amaranthaceae) is a perennial herb, found over a broad range of sandy sediments and different altitudes. Four samples of A. javanica were collected from different habitats and altitudes. Cytogenetical characters of A. javanica according to chromosomal numbers, SEM indumentum and seed coat sculpture characters were studied. Chromosomal numbers of A. javanica have been reported for the first time: 2n = 32 and 2n = 34 for specimens of low altitudes (0-600 m) and 2n = 64 for specimens of high altitudes (1600- 2200 m). In addition, SEM showed a wooly tomentose indumentum with multi-branched unicellular hairs and a granulated seed coat sculpture characterized by raised anticlinical cell boundaries and flat or slightly concave outer periclinal cell walls or by channelled anticlinal cell boundaries as well as the convex (domate) periclinal wall. The granulation of the seed coat sculpture is proportional to its ploidy level.