A new synonym of Polygonatum in China, based on morphological and molecular evidence.

Abstract

PolygonatumkingianumCollett et Hemsl.var.grandifolium D.M. Liu & W.Z. Zeng (1981), which sprouts twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn, differs from Polygonatumkingianum in leaves, bracts, perianth and filaments. Morphological comparison and molecular phylogeny indicate that it is identical to the newly-published Polygonatumhunanense H.H. Liu & B.Z. Wang (2021). Hence, we propose that P.kingianumvar.grandifolium should be recognised as a new synonym of P.hunanense. In addition, phylogenetic analyses confirmed that P.hunanense is sister to Polygonatumsect.Polygonatum, rather than P.kingianum of Polygonatumsect.Verticillata.