A database for mapping karyological data of European and Mediterranean orchids.

A project for preparation and management of a relational karyological database started in 1993 by researches at the Botanic Gardens of Modena (Italy), Pisa (Italy) and Neuchatel (Switzerland), and the Botanic Istitute of Patras (Greece). As first step, the core data categories were defined, including nomenclatural information, geographical location, bibliographical references and other data, condidered essntial for karyological research. The database was structured so as to allow exchange of data among different research units and to store a large amount of data. The database includes all chromosome data on European and Mediterranean orchids, based initially on a large amount of bibliographical data. The data stored so far allowed the production of chromosome number distribution maps for several taxa, showing different ploidy levels and chromosome numbers in different districts.