R&D CENTER

Taxonomic studies of the tribe Potentilleae (Rosaceae) in Korea

Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy 49 (1): 28-69

Kyeong-In Heo, Sangryoung Lee, Yongsung Kim, Jongsun Park*, Sangtae Lee*
We conducted taxonomical investigations based on morphological characteristics, fruit morphology, and literature research on the tribe Potentilleae (Rosaceae) in Korea covering seven genera and 24 species. The style position on the ovary and the shape of style were useful characteristics for the classification of subtribal and generic levels in the tribe Potentilleae. The subtribe Fragariinae is characterized by subbasal or lateral style on the ovary and anthers with one theca. The subtribe Potentillinae has a subterminal style on the ovary, except for Argentina, which presents a subterminal and lateral style and anthers with two thecae. These results support the recent taxonomic recognition that i) the tribe Potentilleae consists of two subtribes, and ii) genera such as Dasiphora, Comarum, and Sibbaldianthe sometimes included in Potentilla s.l. are treated as independent genus. In the subtribe Potentillinae, Argentina, which has been treated as Potentilla, is supported as a distinct genus according to the characteristics of the subterminal and lateral style position and the ventral stipular auricles. In Fragaria, F. nipponica subsp. chejuensis, which has generally small leaves and a limited distribution only on Hallasan Mt., is supported by treatment as an endemic species. Duchesnea chrysantha is distinguished from D. indica by the characteristics of light green or yellowish green leaves, thin and somewhat membranous leaflets, and broad ovate or obovate leaflets. Each complex of P. dickinsii and P. chinensis remains unresolved with regard to controversy over the taxonomic circumscription due to their external morphological variations. Additional taxonomical research and molecular population studies are required for a more in-depth understanding of the tribe Potentilleae in Korea.