Chromosome counts of Roscoea alpina Royle, R. auriculata K.Schum., R. purpurea Sm. and Cautleya spicata (Sm.) Baker are presented. Two species: R. auriculata, R. purpurea confirm the widely reported number of 2n = 24. However, both R. alpina and C. spicata have chromosome number of 2n = 26. R. auriculata’s chromosome number is a new count. Chromosome structures of the species studied are metacentric. The chromosome numbers are discussed in light of the phylogeny of the genera.