Summarizing the results of our karyological investigation and the data in literature make it possible to speak about a considerable divergence withinScorzoneraL. s.l. Generic independence ofPodospermumDC. andEpilasia(Bunge) Benth. is confirmed by karyological data. The monotypic genusTakhtajanianthaNazarova is singled out into an independent one and the question of the revision of taxonomic rank of the sectionsPulvinares, Nervosae, VierhapperiaandTuberosaeis raised (by LIPSCHIZ system, 1935, 1939). The scheme of phylogenetic links withinScorzoneras.l. at the basis of primary basic chromosome numbers,x= 6 and 7 and secondary basic chromosome numbers,x= 12, 14 (amphiploid origin) is proposed. The role of structural rearrangements in the evolution of taxa is discussed.