Abstract: The present paper reports the chromosome numbers and karyotypes of two species in Sauromatum (Araceae). Their resting nuclei is gradient type, and the prophase chromosome type is interstitial. The karyotypes of metaphase chromosomes in somatic cells are as follows: Sauromatum venosum 2n = 2x = 26 = 14m + 12sm, and Sauromatum gaoligongense 2n = 2x = 26 = 10m + 12sm + 4st. The karyotypes of the latter species are reported here for the first time. A preliminary discussion on the generic status of Sauromatum is also given here. The species in the genus Sauromatum have some special physiological and biological char-acters. Therefore, it needs to be deliberated to merge this genus into Typhonium based on some morphologi-cal similarities between them. It is reasonable to find more evidences from more comprehensive studies on this genus. Based on the evidences from the bulbs and cytology, we consider that Sauromatum and PineUia have close relationship.

Key words: Sauromatum