Cytological observations in relation to the taxonomy of the Orchids of the Netherlands

1. The Orchids in the Netherlands have been subjected to a cytological investigation. 2. The division of the genera Orchis (L.) Klinge into two new genera: Orchis (L.) Vermln. and Dactylorchis (Kl.) Vermln. (Vermeulen, 1947), could be confirmed. 3. In Listera ovata (L.) R. Br. the diploid chromosome number is 34. Deviating numbers 2n = 35 and 2n = 36 were counted. Because aberations in chromosome number do not cause morphological differences these aberations seem to be unimportant. 4. Out of the material investigated it might be concluded that for the moment it does not seem to be correct to consider Dactylorchis fuchsii (Druce) Vermln, as a separate species besides Dactylorchis maculata (L.) Vermln. It seems more likely that D. fuchsii and D. maculata represent two types within a complex-species.