A Taxonomic Study of Korean Scrophularia L. (Scrophulariaceae) Based on Morphological Characters

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.