The study of relationship between two cytotypes and chemotypes of Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) from Iran

Cra Achillea L. (Asteraceae) comprises 115 species, which are mainly distributed in Europe, Asia and North Africa. 19 species of this genus are described in the Flora Iranica, of which Achillea milllefolium L. is a very important medicinal plant and has been used in traditional medicine. To determine the relation between cytotypes and chemotypes of this species, two accessions were chosen. Cytological analyses and the composition of the essential oils from aerial parts of these two acssessions were performed. The results indicated two ploidy levels of 2n=6x=54 and 2n=8x=72 in this species. Also the main composition of the essential oils of them was different especially in contents. Our results suggesting that the octaploidy level of this species is the best chemotype for pharmacological usage.