Without any elaborate post-fixation treatment, dot-like kinetochores in the somatic metaphase chromosomes ofAllium cepawere stained differentially with 2% aceto-orcein after storage of the air dried squashes of colchicine treated and acetic-ethanol fixed root meristems for an optimum period of 3–4 weeks. Similar results were obtained also forAloe vera, Rhoeo spathaceaandTradescantia virginianachromosomes. The probable mechanism of this differential stainability has been discussed.