• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.134-142
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• 2018

The achene morphology of 21 taxa of Persicaria sect. Cephalophilon including the related taxa of Koenigia (Polygonaceae) was examined using stereo microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate its diagnostic values and taxonomic implications. The outlines of achene were narrowly ovoid to broadly ovoid in general, and elliptic achenes were observed in Koenigia taxa, with the achene shape being biconvex or trigonous. The size of the P. sect. Cephalophilon taxa ranged from $0.93-3.55{\times}0.80-2.31mm$ and the size of examined Koenigia taxa ranged from $1.10-1.84{\times}0.79-1.02mm$. The smallest achenes in P. sect. Cephalophilon were observed in P. humilis and the largest achenes were found in P. chinensis var. chinensis. Furthermore, infraspecific taxa of P. chinensis had relatively large achenes compared to other taxa within the section. Most taxa of P. sect. Cephalophilon had dull achenes, while four taxa had glossy achenes (P. capitata, P. runcinata var. runcinata, P. runcinata var. sinensis, and P. sinuata). Four types of surface patterns (smooth, tubercles, small pits, and irregular ridge) were observed, and the tubercles were divided into two subtypes according to the grouping and distribution pattern. The achene morphology of P. sect. Cephalophilon is described and compared, and its taxonomic implications are also discussed.