Abstract: The chromosome number and karyotype of Camellia azalea were reported here for the first time . The species showed in somatic cells the round prochromosome type of the interphase nuclei and the interstitial type of the prophase chromosomes. It was a diploid , and the karyotype could be formulated as 2n = 2x = 30 = 28m (1SAT ) + 2sm, belonging to Stebbins’1B type. The third, fourth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth chromosomes had secondary constriction respectively, and one satellite had been found on the fifteenth chromosome. The cytological results supported the suggestion that C. azalea was primitive species in Sect . Camellia of the genus Camellia. A clue on selecting parents was also proposed due to the chromosome numbers and the position in Sect. Camellia.

Key words: Camellia azalea