Previous records of chromosome number for species belonging to the genus Salvia L. (Lamiaceae) are summarized and the frequency of different chromosome base numbers, the number of taxa having a particular base number, and the occurrence of aneuploidy and polyploidy in the genus are discussed. In addition, chromosome numbers and meiotic behaviour in 12 species of Salvia from Iran, S. syriaca (2n = 2x = 20), S. leriifolia (2n = 2x = 20), S. macrosiphon (2n = 2x = 20), S. reuteriana (2n = 2x = 20), S. persepolitana (2n = 2x = 20), S. palaestina (2n = 2x = 20), S. ceratophylla (2n = 2x = 22), S. atropatana (2n = 2x = 22), S. chloroleuca (2n = 2x = 22), S. hypoleuca (2n = 2x = 22), S. aethiopis (2n = 2x = 22) and S. indica (2n = 2x = 22), are presented here. Comparison of the data in the literature revealed that the variation in base numbers supports the reported polyphyletic status of the genus. The relationships between geographical distribution, chromosome numbers and ploidy levels indicate that both aneuploidy and polyploidy have played an important role in the speciation processes in Salvia.
