Re-evaluation of the taxonomic identity of Angelica fallax (Apiaceae) and its conservation status

Abstract

A re-evaluation of the taxonomic identity of Angelica fallax H. Boissieu (Apiaceae), a species endemic to Jejudo Island is presented. A. fallax has mostly been treated as a synonym of A. polymorpha Maxim. or sometimes as neither a species nor a synonym in Korea. A. fallax should be considered a species distinct from A. polymorpha based on a detailed re-examination of the original morphological description of the type materials. It is clearly distinguishable from A. polymorpha due to its recurved rachides, obsolete calyx teeth, four or five conspicuous bractlets, slightly zygomorphic peripheral flowers, and mericarps bearing thick primary ribs with an inflated base. Especially, A. fallax has larger mericarps than A. polymorpha; the mericarps do not overlap with each other in size. Furthermore, the two species showed significant differences in leaf and mericarp epidermal characteristics, including the arrangement and shape of epidermal cells and cuticular ornamentation. The morphological differences strongly suggest that the two species are taxonomically distinct. Thus, it is recommended that A. fallax be resurrected from the synonymy of A. polymorpha. A full description, illustrations, color photographs, taxonomic note, ecology, phenology of the species, and an identification key for all Korean species of Angelica are provided. Additionally, listing A. fallax as Vulnerable (VU D2) on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List is recommended.