A Taxonomic Review of Phytolacca insularis (Phytolaccaceae)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to review the taxonomical position of Phytolacca insularis Nakai based on morphological characters and ITS sequences. Phytolacca insularis was similar to P. acinosa in the stem shape, inflorescence, apocarpous, eight pistils, eight stamens, pink anther, and eight fruits. But the unique difference between P. insularis and P. acinosa was leaf size and pistil color. Phytolaccri insularis and P. acinosa have a similar sculpturing patterns as an foveolate and microscabrate in pollen, but they differed from P. americana in having a bigger foveolae size in sculpture pattern. Phytolacca insularis and P. acinosa were similar in the seed size but different from P. americana by having a small size of seed. The seed surface of P. insularis and P. acinosa was similar with a irregularly undulate shape, but its feature of P. americana differed in having the reticulate shape. Phytolacc a insularis had identical ITS sequences with P. acinosa. Phytolacca insularis and P. acinosa have a close relationship in the morphological characters and ITS sequences. The examinations of morphology and ITS sequences suggest that P. insularis be a form of P. acinosa although it has been formerly treated as a distinct species.