Continuous petal variation in Epimedium tianmenshanense (Berberidaceae), a taxon endemic to western Hunan, China

Abstract

In the protologue, Epimedium tianmenshanense (Berberidaceae), a species endemic to western Hunan, China, was described as ‘flower small, 0.2–0.4 cm diam., inner sepals white, petals as long as inner sepals or a little shorter than the latter, spur very short, ca 5.0 mm’. However, both morphological characteristics and molecular evidence suggest that E. tianmenshanense is closely related to E. baojingense, a taxon with a long spur, thus suggesting that the size of the floral parts is not as reliable as previously believed. When investigating the variability of E. tianmenshanense in more detail, in the field as well as in cultivation, we found that the petals were are highly variable in morphology (both shape and size), being cucullate, subulate, short to long spurred, and with various transitions. The flowers size varied from small to large accordingly. The flowers with cucullate and subulate petals, which were a little shorter than the inner sepals or almost as long as the latter, were small (about 0.8 cm in diameter). The flowers with long spurs, which were much longer than the inner sepals, were also large (about 2.5–3.5 cm in diameter). Finally, the flowers with short spurs, which were a little longer than the inner sepals, were medium‐sized (about 1.0–1.2 cm in diameter). In addition, the color of inner sepals was revised from ‘white, occasionally light mulberry‐purple’ to yellowish green or yellowish white. Epimedium tianmenshanense is a perfect example of natural petal evolution, which could be used for further taxonomic and evolutionary studies. The reason for the variation and the taxonomic treatment of the species still need further study.

Transcriptome Analysis on the Quality of Epimedium koreanum in Different Soil Moisture Conditions at Harvesting Stage

“…E. koreanum Nakai is a perennial herb from the Berberidaceae family [1], mainly found in the Changbai Mountain area of Northeastern China, North Korea, and the coast of the Sea of Japan [2,3]. It typically grows in wooded areas, bushes, or semi-shady environments at the edge of forests [4].…”

Advancements in the Biotransformation and Biosynthesis of the Primary Active Flavonoids Derived from Epimedium

“…The Epimedium genus, belonging to the Berberidaceae family, contains 68 species worldwide, with 58 of them (85.3%) distributed in China [1]. China is the center of geographical distribution and varieties of Epimedium.…”