• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 2011

The microstructure of the leaf epidermis and trichomes of Fallopia sect. Reynoutria are examined using scanning electron microscopy. Fallopia sachalinensis was distinguished from other taxa in this section by its prominent epicuticular wax layer consisting of protruding wax rodlets. In addition, epicuticular rodlets of F. sachalinensis individuals from Ullung Island and Dok Island appear to be thinner than those from other regions, including Japan and Sakhalin. The stomatal size appears to be related to the ploidy level in the sect. Reynoutria, as the hexaploids, octoploids and dodecaploids tend to have larger stomata as compared to tetraploids. Three basic types of trichomes were found in the section; (1) conical unicellular trichomes, (2) uniseriate filiform trichome consisting of 1-8 cells, and (3) peltate glandular trichomes. The trichome types and their distribution appear to be useful in distinguishing the taxa in the section.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.10-15
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• 2011

Fifteen populations comprising three taxa and a putative hybrid of Fallopia sect. Reynoutria in Korea were examined for their leaf flavonoid constituents. Nineteen flavonoid compounds were isolated and identified; they were glycosylated derivatives of the flavonols quercetin and kaempferol, and of the flavones apigenin and luteolin. Among them, quercetin 3-O-galactoside and quercetin 3-O-glucoside were major flavonoid constituents, and present in all taxa. The flavonoid data appear to be very useful for taxon delimitation, and all taxa examined are readily distinguished by their flavonoid profiles. In addition, the flavonoid data suggest that the Nonsan population may be of hybrid origin involving F. japonica var. japonica, F. forbesii, and F. sachalinensis. In F. japonica var. japonica, there is no apparent correlation between their levels of polyploidy and flavonoid chemistry, but geographical variation of the flavonoid profiles among some populations was detected.