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A check-list of endemic vascular plants of the Tian-Shan Mountains, including plant distribution along mountain ranges and in Central Asian countries, has been compiled for the first time in this study. The list of Tian-Shan flora consists of 871 endemic species and subspecies. One subspecies belongs to Pinaceae (Pinopsida) and 870 taxa belong to Magnoliidae (dicots, 732 taxa, and monocots, 138 taxa). The endemic flora belongs to 39 families and 187 genera. The largest number of endemics is concentrated in the mountain ranges of Kyrgyzstan (225 national endemics, 507 taxa in total) and Kazakhstan (205 national endemics, 485 taxa in total). Uzbekistan occupies the third position (69 national endemics, 320 taxa in total). Tajikistan has fewer endemics: 82 taxa, of which only 16 taxa are national endemics. The most represented families and genera are: Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, and Amaryllidaceae; and Astragalus, Allium, Cousinia, Oxytropis, and Gagea, respectively.

A new species, Asarum koreanum (Aristolochiaceae), is described from Mount Gaseopsan, in Eumseong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea. It is differentiated from the morphologically similar A. sieboldii, by the purple or light green leaves without white variegation, large flowers, and deep purple calyx lobes with dense multicellular glandular trichomes. In addition, this species only occurs in the Baekdudaegan mountain range of the central part of Korea (Chungcheongbuk-do), whereas A. sieboldii is extensively distributed throughout Korea, Japan, and China.

To understand the variation limit of taxomomic characters, the Korean Astilbe species were reviewed exomorphologically. Based on the results, it was revealed that two types of trichomes on young shoots and inflorescence rachises are most important characters for identifying Astilbe species: multicellular long nonglandular hair and multicellular short glandular hair. On the basis of type specimens, original descriptions, and relevant articles, Astilbe chinensis is a more reasonable scientific name than Astilbe rubra. The restricted natural habitats, such as high rocky terrains of Mt. Halla-san, shorter or smaller vegetative organs, distinctly shorter primary and secondary inflorescence rachises, and larger size of flowers and floral organs made it possible to distinguish Astilbe taquetii from other species. Astilbe koreana is also verified, with its identity distinguished from other species by having one rhizomatous leaf and dense multicellular short glandular hairs on the young shoot, stem, and inflorescence. Because the angle between the secondary leaf axes and the extent to which the secondary inflorescence axis droops showed great variations among species and even in a species, it could not be used as diagnostic characters. Keywords: Astilbe chinensis, Astilbe koreana, Astilbe rubra, Astilbe taquetii, Morphological characters

A new species Astilbe uljinensis B.U.Oh & H.J.Choi is described from Gangwon-do and Kyeongsangbuk-do in South Korea based on its morphological characteristics and distributional pattern. A. uljinensis is easily distinguished not only from three other Astilbe species in South Korea, but all other species in the genus by possessing a green young rachis, dense long whitish glandular hairs on the young rachis, dense long brownish glandular hairs on the mature inflorescence, and a slightly undulated margin of leaf epidermal cells. Specific comparisons of morphological features such as the type of the trichome, the shape of the leaf epidermis cell, and the color of the young rachis that differentiate A. uljinensis from Astilbe chinensis, another South Korean Astilbe species, are provided.

Chloroplast microsatellites for two Korean endemic species, Eranthis byunsanensis and E. pungdoensis (Ranunculaceae), were isolated to address the questions of their distributional patterns and evolutionary relationships, using next-generation sequencing. Twenty-four polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite markers for these two species were developed, and then characterized in 65 individuals (55 individuals of E. byunsanensis and 10 individuals of E. pungdoensis). The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 9; the average number of alleles across all the loci scored 4.792. The unbiased diversity per locus ranged from 0.089 to 0.880; the unbiased diversity averaged over all the loci was 0.646. The developed markers were successfully amplified for three congeneric species, E. stellata, E. pinnatifida, and E. longistipitata. The markers developed in this study can provide a valuable and important tool for understanding genetic variations, population structures, evolutionary histories and phylogeography of E. byunsanensis, E. pungdoensis, and related species.

Variation or constancy in the chromosome number within taxa of different categories have been proven to be important characters for taxonomic groupings. In order to expand the current knowledge on somatic chromosome numbers of South Korean vascular plants, chromosome counts were made for 50 species (38 genera of 17 families). The first chromosome information for Glaux maritima var. obtusifolia Fernald, Hemerocallis hakuunensis Nakai, Hylotelephium verticillatum (L.) H. Ohba, Orostachys iwarenge f. magnus Y.N. Lee, and Teucrium viscidum var. miquelianum (Maxim.) Hara is presented. New chromosome numbers compared with previous studies are also counted in Aconitum pseudolaeve Nakai, Securinega suffruticosa (Pall.) Rehder, and Tricyrtis macropoda Miq., respectively. In addition, Eupatorium japonicum Thunb. is proven to show polyploidy with tetra- and pentaploid. Among studied species, the diploids (66%) and tetraploids (24%) prevail.

The temporal and spatial origins and evolution of the genus Eranthis have not been previously studied. We investigated the speciation and establishment histories of four Eranthis species: Eranthis byunsanensis, E. pungdoensis, E. stellata, and E. pinnatifida. The sampling localities were Korea, Japan, Jilin in China, and the area near Vladivostok in Primorskiy, Russia. We used 12 chloroplast microsatellite loci (n = 935 individuals) and two chloroplast noncoding regions (rpl16 intron, petL‐psbE intergenic spacer; n = 33 individuals). The genetic diversity, genetic structure, phylogenetic relationships of the four species were analyzed, and their ancestral areas were reconstructed. The high genetic diversity of the Jeju island population of E. byunsanensis and Russian populations of E. stellata indicated these species’ northward and southward dispersal, respectively. The genetic structure analyses suggest that the populations in these four species have limited geographical structure, except for the Chinese E. stellata population (SCP). The phylogenetic analyses suggest that E. byunsanensis and E. pinnatifida are sister species and that Chinese SCP may not belong to E. stellata. The ancestral area reconstruction revealed that the most recent common ancestor of the four species existed in the current Chinese habitat of E. stellata. This study shows that E. byunsanensis and E. pinnatifida originated from a southern Eranthis species and speciated into their current forms near Jeju island and near western regions of Japan, respectively, during the Miocene. E. stellata may have dispersed southward on and near the Korean peninsula, though its specific origin remains unclear. Interestingly, the Chinese E. stellata population SCP suggests that the Chinese population might be most ancient among all the four Eranthis species. E. pungdoensis may have allopatrically speciated from E. byunsanensis during the Holocene. The Korean peninsula and the surrounding areas can be considered interesting regions which provide the opportunity to observe both northern‐ and southern‐sourced Eranthis species.

A floristic, field research was conducted from March 2005 to October 2012 the Woraksan National Park (N 36°46´~36°59´, E 128°02´~128°19´) to characterize the flora of the region. Especially, we divided the surveyed region into nine representative collection areas based on floristic components were compared and analyzed. This field study discovered significant plants in various categories. The 41 surveys revealed that the vascular plants in this region comprised 815 taxa: 116 families, 429 genera, 717 species, 4 subspecies, 78 varieties and 16 forms. In this study, 80 taxa were firstly recorded from this region. Korean endemic plants numbered 22 taxa, and the fifteen taxa rare plants designated by Korean Forest Service as were found in this region. The taxa in the category II of rare and endangered plants and the taxa with the higher rank than the third degree among the floristic regional indicator plants designated by Korean Ministry of Environment were one and 56, respectively. From a geographical perspective, limited distributions of Matteuccia struthiopteris, Spiraea trichocarpa, and Aster tataricus at a latitudes higher than that of Woraksan National Park. Moreover, this study has confirmed that the Woraksan National Park is the species diversity center for Asarum koreanum, Elsholtzia angustifolia, and Allium linearifolium in the central province of the Korean peninsula. Inaddition, the naturalized plants of 54 taxa were recorded.

The flora in the region of Daeheuksando (N34˚37´~34˚42´, E125˚23´~125˚38´) was surveyed from June 2010 to October 2011. The vascular plants from 22 field surveys were revealed to total of 496 taxa: 113 families, 316 genera, 446 species, four subspecies, 43 varieties and three forms. 124 taxa were the first records from this region. This field study discovered significant plants in various categories. Korean endemic plants numbered 7 taxa, and 6 taxa designated by Korean Forest Service as rare plants were investigated in this region. The taxa in the category II of rare and endangered plants and higher than the third degree among the floristic regional indicator plants designated by Korean Ministry of Environment were one taxon and 47 taxa, respectively. Especially, it was proved that Spiraea chartacea, Hosta yingeri, Hemerocallis hongdoensis and Saussurea polylepis were endemic to Heuksan-myeon including Daeheuksando in Korean peninsular. In addition, the naturalized plants of 46 taxa were recorded.

The distribution of native plants of Cheondeungsan Mountain (807 m, N 37°05'00“–37°05'30”, E 128°00'0“–128°02'0”) in Chungcheongbuk-do was determined and the major flora were identified. During field investigations carried out from May 2011 to October 2011, 87 families, 254 genera, and 369 taxonomic groups (327 species, 4 subspecies, 33 varieties, and 5 forms) were confirmed, and the distribution of 219 taxonomic groups was discovered for the first time. The distribution of four endemic plants of Korea, including Ajuga spectabilis Nakai and Salvia chanryoenica Nakai, and that of Penthorum chinense Pursh, a Grade V specific plant species, was found. There were 20 taxa of naturalized plants at Cheondeungsan; the growth and development of plants that are harmful to the ecosystem, such as Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Ambrosia trifida L., Eupatorium rugosum Houtt., and Aster pilosus Willd., was observed around the forest paths and lowlands.

The flora of Chilgapsan Provincial Park in Cheongyang-gun (Chungcheongnam-do), Korea was surveyed from 2000 to 2014. In 19 field surveys, vascular plants were revealed 490 taxa belonging to 97 families, 309 genera, 433 species, four subspecies, 48 varieties, and five forms. Plants of various categories were discovered in this study. For the Korean endemic plants 15 taxa were recorded, and 11 taxa designated by the Korean Forest Service as rare plants were investigated in this region. The plants above the third degree among the floristic regional indicator plants designated by the Korean Ministry of Environment were 10 taxa. In addition, 33 taxa of naturalized and 73 taxa of cultivated plants were recorded.

The flora of Is. Gageodo (N 34˚02´∼34˚05´, E 125˚05´∼125˚08) in Sinangun (Province Jeollanamdo) was surveyed from April 2010 to October 2011. The vascular plants from the results of 23 field surveys were revealed as 385 taxa; in total 98 families, 258 genera, 348 species, three subspecies, 31 varieties and four forms. Fifty taxa were the first records in this region. The plants in various categories were discovered in this study. The number of Korean endemic plants were 7 taxa, and 8 taxa designated by Korean Forest Service as rare plants were investigated in this region. The plants above the third degree among the floristic regional indicator plants designated by Korean Ministry of Environment were 30 taxa. In addition, 28 taxa of the naturalized plants were recorded.

Somatic chromosome numbers of 28 Korean native species in the buttercup family are observed and analyzed. The plants include 10 genera with seven endemic taxa to the Korean peninsula, and most of t...

Morphology of Korean Scrophularia species were reviewed to clarify taxonomic characters, their variations and taxon delimitation. Habitats, root forms, foliaceous types, glandular trichomes on stems and leaves, flowering seasons, calyx shapes, corolla colors and shapes, as well as ovary basal shapes are diagnostic characters to classify series in this genus. From the result, 1) S. alata is distinguished from its closely related species S. takesimensis by lengths of stem ribs, widths of petioles, and types of corolla lobes; 2) S. buergeriana is characterized by spike-like inflorescences, short peduncles and pedicels, and yellowish green corollas; 3) lanceolate-shaped leaves and calyces, and axillary-like cyme inflorescences delimitate S. koraiensis easily from the other taxa; 4) smaller leaves discriminate S. kakudensis var. microphylla from S. kakudensis var. kakudensis, and 5) S. cephalantha is distinguished from S. kakudensis by broadly ovate to sub-orbicular shaped leaves, earlier flowering seasons, and smaller numbered flowers on shorter inflorescences. In conclusion, the Korean Scrophularia is classified as 7 taxa, 6 species and 1 variety in 2 series. Keys to the series and taxa are provided.

Seed morphology in the subtribe Agrimoniinae (Rosaceae) was examined using scanning electron microscopy to identify distinct characters and evaluate their evolution in a phylogenetic framework for five gen- era in the subtribe: Agrimonia L., Aremonia Neck. ex Nestl., Hagenia J.F. Gmel., Leucosidea Eckl. & Zeyh., and Spenceria Trimen. All genera have one or two mature achenes in a fruiting hypanthium. In the seed coats, the cell shape, size, wall features, and sculpturing vary across genera. Of most significance is the presence of papil- lae structures in both Agrimonia and Aremonia. Through the mapping of papillae features onto phylogenetic trees, either one or two changes in seed coats are hypothesized. The phylogenetic tree inferred from four nuclear and six chloroplast regions of sequence data suggests that at least two steps of papillae sculpturing on seed coats are required. On the other hand, in the phylogenetic tree of a low-copy nuclear gene, one independent evolu- tionary step is postulated to explain the current character states. In the latter hypothesis, the seed coat sculp- turing also supports a monophyletic relationship for cosmopolitan Agrimonia and European endemic Aremonia. The seed coat sculpturing provides valuable information for inferring phylogenetic relationships at the generic level in the subtribe Agrimoniinae.

Somatic chromosome numbers for 10 taxa and karyotypes analysis for 6 taxa of Korean Vicia were investigated. Somatic chromosome numbers of treated taxa were 2n

The NE Asiatic Solidago virgaurea complex in Korea has been reported on 5 taxa (S. virgaurea subsp. asiatica, S. virgaurea var. taquetii, S. virgaurea var. coreana, S. virgaurea subsp. leiocarpa, and S. virgaurea subsp. gigantea). However, the broad morphological variations and a lack of diagnostic characteristics have made it difficult to distinguish these taxa and have thus resulted in a complicated taxonomy in the complex. Therefore, to clarify the classification and delimitation of each taxon, the morphological characteristics of the S. virgaurea complex were investigated by examining the original descriptions and type specimens. Field work was also conducted to investigate the morphological and geographic features. In conclusion, S. japonica Kitam., as a legitimate name, was distributed all over the country except for the Is. Ulleung-do in Korea, as distinguished from S. virgaurea L. Both S. virgaurea var. taquetii and S. virgaurea var. coreana were considered as synonyms of S. japonica, as their morphological characteristics were within the variation range of those of S. japonica. Furthermore, S. virgaurea subsp. leiocarpa does not occur in Korea. Additional investigations are required to clarify the classification of S. virgaurea subsp. gigantea, whose populations were not found during the investigation in this study. S. dahurica, meanwhile, was distributed in the northern part of North Korea.

The morphological characters of Scrophularia kakudensis Franch. and its relatives were examined. The major features of S. kakudensis were determined to resolve the taxonomic confusion with the closely related taxa of S. kakudensis var. microphylla, S. pilosa and S. cephalantha. S. kakudensis is characterized by its flowering in Jul. to Sep., the node numbers on a stem, the size of the leaves, the development of inflorescences and the presence of glandular trichomes on its stems and leaves. S. cephalantha is distinct from S. kakudensis by the earlier flowering season, fewer node numbers on a stem, and fewer numbers of flowers on shorter rachis. Smaller sizes of S. kakudensis var. microphylla, considered to be a problematic character previously, are stable and distinctive from other taxa in the natural habitats of the multiple populations investigated in the study. Therefore, the taxon should remain as a variety of S. kakudensis. An examination of the diagnostic characteristics of S. pilosa, such as its inflorescence type and the presence of a stem with pubescence, does not provide sufficient distinction from S. kakudensis. A type specimen and habitat survey also support the merging of the two taxa. S. pilosa should be treated as a synonym of S. kakudensis, because it is considered to be a misidentification of S. kakudensis.

The flora in the region of Mt. Sobaeksan National Park (N50'-50', E20'-43') was surveyed from April of 2005 to October of 2011. The vascular plants from 27 field surveys were revealed to total 869 taxa, comprising 112 families, 429 genera, 756 species, four subspecies, 91 varieties and 18 forms. Sixty-eight taxa were the first records from this region. This field study discovered significant plants in various categories. Korean endemic plants numbered 25 taxa, and 18 taxa designated by the Korean Forest Service as rare plants were investigated in this region. The taxa in category II of rare and endangered plants and higher than the third degree among the floristic regional indicator plants designated by the Korean Ministry of the Environment were three taxa and 75 taxa, respectively. From a geographical perspective, limited distribution of Saxifraga octopetala, Corydalis grandicalyx, Aegopodium alpestre, and Polygonatum acuminatifolium at a latitude higher than that of Sobaeksan National Park suggest that Sobaeksan National Park might be the limit line of the distribution of the taxa. Stewartia koreana demonstrate a reversed pattern from the taxa above, occurring at a latitude lower than that of Sobaeksan National Park. In addition, naturalized plants of 53 taxa were recorded.

The sequence data of the plastid DNA (trnL-F IGS, trnL intron, and trnH-psbA) and nuclear DNA (RNApol2_i23) markers were utilized to study phylogenetic relationships among the taxa in the Polygonatum odoratum complex (Ruscaceae). European P. odoratum individuals form a clade with a high bootstrap value, which is a sister to the clade of Korean P. odoratum var. odoratum, P. odoratum var. pluriflorum and P. robustum. The formation of the clade with P. odoratum var. odoratum, P. robustum, and one accession of P. odoratum var. pluriflorum indicates geological speciation in isolated populations in the islands following dispersal events from the mainlands. All data sets form two major clades, which are congruent with the subgroups divided by the basic chromosome numbers (x = 9 and x = 10). Although it is not easy to test the hypothesis of the decrease in the basic chromosome number due to scatter taxon sampling in this study, the molecular data strongly suggested that aneuploidy plays an important role in lineage diversification in the genus Polygonatum. The cytological data was not strongly supported by the cpDNA sequences. Further investigations of the cytological, morphological, and geographical characteristics with comprehensive sampling are desired to understand the evolution and lineage diversification in the genus.

Various aneuploidy and polyploidy have been reported in the genus Aconitum L. (ca. 300 species worldwide, Ranunculaceae), and there is a demonstrated association between major lineage diversification and polyploidy. This study reports chromosome counts of eight Aconitum from Korea, including the first counts for A. japonicum Thunb. subsp. napiforme (H. Lv. & Vaniot) Kadota (2n = 32) and A. longecassidatum Nakai (2n = 16). The study also includes chromosome numbers for two taxa on the Critically Endangered species list in Korea. Among Korean native species, chromosome numbers in Aconitum subgenus Aconitum range from 2n = 16 to 2n = 64 with diverse levels of polyploidy (2x, 4x, and 8x), whereas Aconitum subg. Lycoctonum exhibits only diploids (2n = 16). Greater chromosome number diversity in subg. Aconitum than subg. Lycoctonum might explain higher species diversity within the former subgenus (more than 250 species worldwide). Investigating chromosome number diversity of Aconitum in a phylogenetic framework will be a critical step to understand species richness of the genus.

An unrecorded species, Carex aequialta Kuk. (Cyperaceae), was found in Yecheon-gun, Gyeong-sangbuk-do and Jeju-si, Jeju-do. This species is distinguished from related taxa, C. maximowiczii Miq., C. suifu-nensis Kom., C. phacota Spreng., C. dimorpholepis Steud., C. shimidzensis Franch. and C. tegulata H. Lev. &Vaniot, by having suberect lateral spikes, awnless pistillate scales, short rhizomes and corymblike inflores-cences. This taxon was named ‘Mul-kko-ri-sa-cho’ in Korean based on its external appearances and habitat. Weprovide its description, illustrations, photographs and the key of related taxa in Korea. Keywords: Carex aequialta, sect. Phacocystis, Carex, Cyperaceae, new record 적 요: 사초과의미기록종인물꼬리사초(Carex aequialta Kuk.)가경상북도예천군과제주도제주시에서 발견되었다. 이 종은 아직립하는 측소수, 망(까락)이 없는 자인편, 짧은 지하경, 산방형으로 배열하는 화서를 가져근연종인 왕비늘사초(C. maximowiczii Miq.), 가는비늘사초(C. suifunensis Kom.), 비늘사초(C. phacotaSpreng.), 이삭사초(C. dimorpholepis Steud.), 산꼬리사초(C. shimidzensis Franch.) 및 구슬사초(C. tegulata H.Lev. & Vaniot)와 구분된다. 국명은 외부형태와 생육지를 고려하여 ‘물꼬리사초’로 신칭하였고, 이에 대한 기재, 도해, 사진 및 근연분류군과의 검색표를 제시하였다.

A new species of Corydalis L. (Fumariaceae), C. alata was discovered in Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do in Korea and is described and illustrated here. The newly described species C. alata is distinct from the closely-related species C. maculata by having tubers with whitish inner surface, sagittate base of the lower outer petals, and smaller seeds.

Herein is described a new species of Rorippa (R. apetala, Brassicaceae) discovered on the River Seom-gang in Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, Korea. The new species is distinct from the closely-related species, R. palustris and R. globosa, by having adventitious buds on the surface of rhizome-type roots during the fruiting season, usually absent or rarely 1-4, if present then atrophy petals, obpandurate fruits, and seeds usually empty or rarely 1-2 per locule. The key to these species is provided.

The taxonomic entity and morphological characteristics of Impatiens furcillata were reviewed based on the original description and the type specimen. As a result, I. furcillata, by having glabrous stems, descending and glabrous peduncles, and pinkish white flowers, is strikingly distinguishable from other taxa of Korean Impatiens. Both I. hypophylla var. koreana and I. kojeensis are treated as synonyms of I. furcillata, for their morphological characteristics, were the same as those of I. furcillata. In addition, the Korean name for I. furcillata was changed to Cheo-jin-mul-bong-seon' instead of 'San-mul-bong-seon'.

Herein is described a new species of Impatiens violascens B.U. Oh & Y.Y. Kim (Balsaminaceae) discovered on Bohyeon Mountain in Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea. The new species is distinct from a closely-related species, I. textorii, by having a flower half the size that of I. textorii, sharply narrowed lower sepal, one half- to one time-coiled spur, and distal lobes of elliptical type laterally united petals. The key to these two species is provided.

The flora in the region of Songnisan National Park (N, E ) was surveyed from April 2000 to July 2006. Vascular plants in 26 collections included a total of 723 taxa: 115 families, 392 genera, 629 species, 4 subspecies, 72 varieties and 18 forms. Ninety-three of these taxa were first records for the region. In the flora of Songnisan National Park, 27 taxa were Korean endemic plants, 19 taxa were rare and endangered plants as designated by the Korea Forest Service. Forty-five of the taxa were with the levels III, IV, V in the floristic regional indicator plants which was designated by Korean Ministry of Environment, and 29 taxa were alien plants now naturalized in Korea. Owing to their unusual phytogeography and low number of populations, the taxa Crypsinus hastatus (Thunb.) Copel., Paeonia japonica (Makino) Miyabe & Takeda, Jeffersonia dubia (Maxim.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Baker & S.Moore, Bupleurum euphorbioides Nakai, Phacellanthus tubiflorus Siebold & Zucc., Lilium cernuum Kom., Gastrodia elata Blume and Cephalanthera erecta var. subaphylla (Miyabe & Kud ) Ohwi were considered the most important. Based on these results, it is clear that appropriate plans to conserve the natural habitat of Songnisan National Park must be made immediately.

C-banded karyotypes of eight taxa of Korean Allium sect. Sacculiferum were examined by means of Giemsa techniques. Each of the taxa had their own characteristic bands. Most of the bands on the somatic metaphase chromosomes were mainly located on the short arm, intercalary region and medium sized chromosomes. In addition, the heterochromatic bands were usually facultative, recognized as two spots, and all investigated taxa had a pair of satellites of heterochromatin. The similarities of total length and number of bands revealed that three varieties of A. thunbergii G. Don have a closer cytological relationship than the others. The C-banding patterns of A. longistylum and A. linearifolium were examined for the first time in this study, and the former was clearly distinguished from the others by the distribution and number of its bands. The proportion of heterochromatic bands suggested that A. thunbergii var. thunbergii is the most primitive, and A. sacculiferum the most advonced, within the section.

Somatic chromosome counts and karyotype analyses were carried out for eight taxa of Korean Allium sect. Sacculiferum. The basic chromosome number of sect. Sacculiferum was x = 8, and they could be cytologically divided into two groups, that is, a diploid group (2n = 2x = 16) containing A. thunbergii var. thunbergii, A. thunbergii var. deltoides, A. thunbergii var. teretifistulosum, A. deltoidefistulosum, A. longistylum, A. linearifolium and A. taqueti, and a tetraploid group (2n = 4x = 32) with only A. sacculiferum. All observed chromosomes were classified into metacentric, submetacentric and subtelocentric. The metacentric ones appeared in all treated taxa. One or two pairs of submetacentric chromosomes were observed in most taxa except A. sacculiferum, the unique taxon with subtelocentric chromosomes. All taxa had a pair of homologous chromosomes with satellites, and the B-chromosomes found in A. thunbergii var. thunbergii, A. deltoidefistulosum, A. sacculiferum and A. longistylum, were metacentric or telocentric. The karyotypes of A. longistylum and A. linearifolium were firstly investigated in this study. In conclusion, the somatic chromosome numbers and karyotypes for members of the sect. Sacculiferum were valuable characters in identifying taxa, investigating interspecific relationships and delimiting taxa. In addition, A. thunbergii var. teretifolium, an invalid name (homonym), was renamed as A. thunbergii var. teretifistulosum H. J. Choi & B. U. Oh.

The morphological characters and scientific names on 3 taxa of Korean Euphorbia were reviewed. Growing pattern of stems, arrangement of leaves, the presence of appendages, the presence of ovary's hairs, shape of seeds and the presence of caruncles were valuable characters in identifying the taxa. The correct scientifie names of Nang-dok, Keun-ttang-bin-dae and Ae-gi-ttang-bin-dae were E. fischeriana, E. hypericifolia and E. maculata respectively based on the morphological characters, the type specimens and the original descriptions. Keys to the species were provided for the accurate identification.

We confirmed an unrecorded taxon under the genus Gentianopsis (Gentianaceae) into Gentianopsis contorta (Royle) Ma, which was collected from Geumdaebong, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do in the central part of Korean peninsula. This taxon was known to be distributed mainly Himalayan mountainous area such as India, Nepal and Pakistan, and also growing in China and Japan. In this study, we carried out species description based on the morphological characters, and gave the new Korean name, ‘Kko-in-yong-dam’ by the characteristics of floral morphology. In addition, some fine figures on several important characters and key to the this and relative species were provided.

Members of the genus Asarum of Korea were reviewed taxonomically, and classified into seven species. Among them, five species: A. glabrata , A. koreanum, A. maculatum, A. patens and A. versicolor were recorded as Korean endemics. The most valuable taxonomic characters in identifying the Asarum taxa were shape, size and color of the calyx tube and lobe. In addition, the presence of white spots on the adaxial surface, size and color of leaf, presence of trichome, shape and size of the stylar protuberance and thickness of the calyx lobe were also important characters. Keys to the species including descriptions and figures of floral structures of each taxon were provided here for the accurate identification of each species.

For 20 taxa of Korean Allium, including 16 species and 5 varieties, examined were morphological characters (i.e. sexuality, structure and shape of underground part, types and growing patterns of leaf and scape, and shapes of perianth, filament and pistil). The specialization and the evolutionary trends of taxonomic characters were inferred from morphological examination. Taxonomic relationships and system of Korean Allium were also studied. The characters showing evolutionary trends were the structure and shape of underground part including rhizome and bulb, leaf, scape, inflorescens, filament and ovary. It seemed that thin and short rhizome developed from thick and long one, and the membranous simple bulb tunic evolved into fibrous reticulate one. The presence of hyaline sheath in A. monanthum of sect. Microscordum was apomorphic. Both angular leaf blade with 2-rowed vascular bundle and flat blade with 1-rowed vascular bundle were developed from terete one with 2-rowed vascular bundle. The base of filament have differentiated from entire to toothed, and 2-ovuled ovary as well as erect scape before flowering was plesiomorphic type. In addition, sexuality, structure of underground part, the presence of hyaline sheath and cross-section structure of leaf were taxonomic characters with the level of the subgenus in this genus. Shape of rhizome, bulb, leaf, scape and pedicel discriminated each section from other ones in the subgenera easily. The shape and arrangement of perianth and filaments were the diagnostic characters for species level along with shape of ovary and stigma.

This study was carried out to elucidate floristic data of Chirisan National Park by performing practical field investigation for 1· year and literatures survey simultaneously in 2004. The data from field study were yielded based on voucher specimens. Total number and components of flora of Chirisan National Park is revealed as 1,825 taxa. Among 1,825 taxa, 708 taxa were identified in this field study, and these were comprised 37 orders, 109 families, 382 genera, 590 species 3 subspecies 95 varities 20 forms. Unconfirmed taxa in field but recorded previous literatures were 1,117 taxa, which consist of 41 orders 130 families 500 genera 901 species 9 subspecies 140 varities 67 forms. In conclusion, there may be provisionally 1,825 (708+1,117) taxa in Chirisan National Park. The 43 taxa were firstly found out in this field study. In the floristic data from field study, the number of Korean endemic plants were 31 taxa, the rare and endangered plants which was designated by Korea Forest Service were 21 taxa, the taxa that is more than the t비rd degree among the floristic regional indicator plants which was designated by Korean Ministry of Environment were 40 taxa, and naturalized alien plants to Korea were 27 taxa respectively. Among 1,117 taxa which were not found in this study but recorded in 22 previous literatures, the number of Korean endemic plants were 45 taxa, the rare and endangered plants which was designated by Korea Forest Service were 45 taxa, the taxa that is more than the third degree among the floristic regional indicator plants which was designated by Ministry of Environment were 121 taxa, and naturalized alien plants to Korea were 31 taxa. It can be inferred that the vegetation of Chirisan National Park was changing by some factors and valuable plant resources were tend to diminishing by such as human interference and developments.

A new species of Corydalis sect. Corudalis (Fumariaceae), C. misandra B.U.Oh, is described from the peovinces of Gyonggi-do and Gangwon-do in Korea. The new species is distint from its close relative C. namdoensis in gaving elliptic or linear leaflet shape, entire or slightly dentate bract apex, broad and rhomboidal lower out petal, 14 papillate stigma, oblong stamen and linear capsule with one rowed seeds, etc.

here we report a previously unrecorded species of Korean Allium (Alliaceae) from Geomundo, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do. This taxon, A. pseudojaponicum Makino which has been known to distribute only in the southern part of Japan up to date, is easily distingquished from A. thunbergii G. don by lustrous evergreen leaves and lateral scapes as well as chromosome number (2n=32). The common name, 'Gaet-bu-chu', was newly given considering the property of habitat, which as the dry and rocky grasslands facing to the sea in Korea and Japan. In this study, we redescribe morphological characters, and provide illustrations of habit as well as photographs of hacitat.

A new species of Corydalis sect. Corydalis (Fumariaceae), C. namdoensis B.U. Oh et J.G. Kim, is described from the central and southern part of Korea. The new species is distinct from its close relative C. albipetala in having very variable leaf shapes, broadly flattened fusiform fruits, seed arrangement nearly in two rows in capsule, V-shaped inner petal apex and limited distribution area.

Allium taxa of Korea were taxonomically reviewed, and classified as three subgenera, ten sections, seventeen species, and three varieties. Among these, Korean endemics were recorded as six taxa; A. koreanum, A. taquetii, A. deltoide-fistulosum, A. linearifolium, A. thunbergii var. deltoides, A. thunbergii var. teretafolium. In addition, A. condensatum, A. splendens and A. maximowiczii proved to distribute only in North Korea. Keys to the subgenera, sections, species and infraspecies with descriptions of each taxon were provided.

A comparative anatomical and ultrastructural study was undertaken to investigare on the leaf epidermis by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). On the basis of results from this study, it was grasped major characters of taxa and variation range of each character on the level of species, section and subgenus respectively. The shape of leaf epidermal cell was oblong to linear, which was varied by each taxon. Epidermal cell of taxa in sects. Microscordum, Anguinum, and Rhizirideum, which had wide leaf blade, oblong instead of linear shape in others examined taxa in this study. The leaf of taxa in sect. Anguinum was hypostomatic, while the rest of taxa had amphistomatic leaf. This was also one of characters which could discriminate taxa of sect. Anguinum from others. The guard cell in investigated taxa had not so much variation in the respect of its size. The number of stomata per unit area reduced by increasing size of epidermal cell, the fewest number of stomata per unit area was found in the taxa of sect. Anguinum. The type of stomatal apparatus of observed all taxa was anomocytic. It was found to know ultrastructural variation in the epidermal cell, like as patterns of sculpture on the cell wall, and features of deposition of wax by SEM. There were no depositions of wax in the taxa of sect. Microscordum and Anguinum, but fine thread-like structures which were parallel or cross to axis was found on the surface of epidermal cell respectively. The patterns of sculpture on the cell were prominent straight in sects. Recticulato-bulbosa and Rhizirideum, discontinuous line in the sect. Oreiprason. The epicuticular wax had been deposited on the surface of its epidermal cell in all taxa except sects. Microscordum and Anguinum.

Here we described and illustrated two new taxa of Allium (Alliaceae) from southern part of Korea. One new species, A koreanum H. J. Choi et B. U. Oh was clearly distinguished from A. splendens of sect. Reticulato-bulbosa by larger and stellately spreading pale pink perianth, apparently exsert filaments, and conical stigma as well as chromosome number. Another new variety, A. thunbergii var. teretifolium H.J. Choi et B.U. Oh was also easily distinguished from its relatives, var. thunbergii and var. deltoides by terete and hollow leaf blade. Keys to the two species of Allium sect. Reticulato-bulbosa and the three varieties of A. thunbergii (sect. Sacculiferum) in Korea were described.

The general morphological characters and chromosome numbers about 7 taxa of Korean Allium sect. Sacculiferum were reviewed. From the results, authors elucidated the key character as well as the range of variations in each taxon, and considered the relationships among taxa in this section. Clear taxonomic treatments also carried out based on the type specimens and the original descriptions. Shape and growing pattern of leaves, size of inflorescences, shape of perianths and tepals, as well as chromosome numbers were key characters in identifying the taxa and in estimating their relationships. On the basis of these characters, A. thunbergii var. thunbergii, A. sacculiferum and A. deltoide-fistulosum were recognised as a distinct species respectively. Hal-la-bu-chu which had been misidentified as A. cyaneum (sect. Reticulato-bulbosa) in Korea was proved to be A. taquetii and belonged to the sect. Sacculi/erum. In addition, A. cyaneum var. deltoides, had been described as a variety of A. cyaneum, was recombined as a variety of A. thunbergii [A. thunbergii var. deltoides (S. Yu, W. Lee et S. Lee) H. J. Choi et B. U. Oh] with the new Korean name of 'Se-mo-san-bu-chu'. In conclusion, Korean sect. Sacculiferum was composed of five species and two varieties. A key to identify the taxa in this section was provided.

We reported an unrecorded species of the genus Allium (Alliaceae) which is growing along riversides in the central part of Korean peninsula. A. longistylum Baker, has been known to distribute only in China. The new common name, 'Gang-bu-chu', was given considering the habitat characteristics such as growing riversides in Korea. In this study, we described morphological characters, and provided illustrations as well as photographs of the habitat.

Somatic chromosomes about 13 taxa of Korean Euphorbia L. was investigated to estimate its taxonomic significance. Somatic chromosome numbers of treated taxa were 2n= 12, 20, 22, 28, 40, 42, 56, therefore basic chromosome numbers of those were x=6, 7, 10, 11. The chromosome numbers of E. pallasii Turcz. (2n=20), E. hylonoma Hand.-Mazz (2n=20.), E. fauriei H. Lv. & Vaniot ex H. Lv (2n=28) and E. jolkini Boiss. (2n=28) were determined for the first time in this study. The chromosome numbers of four taxa were same as previous ones; E. sieboldiana Moor. & Decne. (2n=20), E. ebracteolata Hayata (2n=20), E. humifusa Willd. ex Schlecht. (2n=22). But those of six taxa were different; E. esula L (2n= 16, 20, 60, 64 vs 2n=20), E. helioscopia L. (2n=12, 42 vs 2n=42), E. lucorum Rupr. (2n=28, 40 vs 2n=56), E. pekinensis Rupr. in Maxim. (2n=24 vs 2n=28, 56), E. maculata L. (2n=28, 42 vs 2n=12), E. supina Raf. (n=7 vs 2n=40). E. ebracteolata, E. pallasii and E. hylonoma were distingushcd from the other taxa by the chromosome numbers, size and satellites, E. maculata, E. humifusa, E. supina had the different basic and somatic chromosome numbers in spite of the similar morphological. anatomical and palynological chracters. The chromosomal character of Korean Euphorbia was supported the Ma and Hu's systems, and as above results, it was found to be a good character in delimiting above sections and estimating relationships for some species.

Pollen morphology of 13 species of Korean Euphorbia was re-examined by means of LM and SEM. Taxonomic evaluation of palynological characters and relationships among taxa were also discussed based on the analysis of polar length, equatorial diameter, aperture size and exine thickness. Korean Euphorbia species were classified into three groups based on the mean size of polar length (P) and equatorial diameter (E) as follows:Group 1. sect. Tulocarpa and Tithymalus of subgenus Esula; , Group 2. sect. Esula and Helioscpiae of subgenus Esula; , Group 3. sect. Chamaesyce and Hypericifoliae of subgenus Chamaesyce; . Various features of surface sculpturing were also grouped into 8 types by the characteristics of perporation size and distance of perporations as well as connection state of it. Pollen size and surface sculpturing were comparatively available in the levels of subgenus and section. Especially subgenus Chamaesyce was distinctly different from subgenus Esula by having compactly distributed perporations on exine surface as well as its small size of pollen grains. Because of the great variations in pollen size and the occurrence of various types of surface sculpturing according to the local poulations of each species, it was evaluated that they were unsuitable in classifying each species of Euphorbia. But such cases, that is, E. hylonoma being more familiar with E. ebracteolata than E. Pallasii, and E. pekinensis and E. fauriei as well as E. pallasii being strongly related with each other based on the similarity of surface sculpturing, reflected its usefulness in the classification of some Euphorbia species.

We examined the infrageneric system and discuss the genetic realtionships with 12 taxa of Euphorbia in Korea using the RAPD. Two hundred twenty scorable RAPD markers were found from the PCR reactions with 14 random oligoprimers and were analyzed by Nei-Li's genetic distance coefficient with 21 populations of Korean Euphorbia. Based on the RAPD results, from 8.4 to 40.2 percent of genetic variations were showed among the species of subgenus Esula. Also, 16.9-40.2% between sect. Esula and sect. Tithymalus and 10.5-26.4% among subgenus Chamaesyce of genetic variations were found. In addition, 2.1-10.6% of genetic variation were showed among the populations of Korean Euphorbia. Based on the UPGMA tree and NJ tree from RAPD analyses, three major groups (group 1:sect. Helioscopiae, subsect. Verticillate and subsect. Galarrhoei; group 2: subgen. Chamaesyce; group 3: subsect. Esulae) were recognized. The current infrageneric systems proposed by several taxonomists have some problems. The result suggested that reexamination on the taxonomic status of E. helioscopia were needed and subsect. Esulae might be a natural group. RAPD analysis was very useful to delimit the taxa and to explain the relationships among the species of Euphorbia in Korea.