Re-identification of herbarium specimens through a morphological analysis reveals two species of <i>Murdannia</i> (Commelinaceae) from South Korea

Abstract

The previously reported alien plant <i>Murdannia nudiflora</i> is known to be distributed on Jejudo Island and in inland areas of South Korea. However, the species distributed in the Jejudo Island region exhibits differences in the morphology of the stems, leaves, and seeds compared to those in inland areas. Although <i>M. loriformis</i> is morphologically similar to <i>M. nudiflora</i>, it differs in terms of the development of the main stem, the formation of rosettes, and the occurrence of inflorescences that develop from branched stems. The seed testa of <i>M. loriformis</i> exhibits a radiating striated pattern and is not verrucose. Through the re-identification of specimens of <i>M. nudiflora</i> and an examination of individuals and images collected in areas of their distribution, it was determined that the individuals in the Jejudo region are <i>M. loriformis</i>, whereas those distributed inland were found to be <i>M. nudiflora</i>. This study presents revised descriptions and a taxonomic key for both species, with new Korean names designated based on the characteristics of the distribution areas and surrounding growth environments.