Morphological variation of theCallicarpa japonica complex in Eastern Asia

Abstract

TheCallicarpa japonica complex in Eastern Asia is considered a polymorphic species by its leaf characters which usually show a wide range of variation. Therefore, much taxonomic confusion has reigned within this group, especially in taxonomic circumscriptions and nomenclatures of taxa. To identify variation patterns of theC. japonica complex, 23 diagnostic characters were examined using 599 specimens. These were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). From the results based on the analysis of the leaf characteristics, inflorescence, and geographical distribution patterns, theC. japonica complex can be divided into six infraspecific taxa which include var.japonica, var.luxurians, var.taquetii, var.angustata, var.japonica f.leucocarpa, and var.luxurians f.leucocarpa. TheC. japonica complex distributed in Eastern Asia is extensively differentiated in leaf characters and inflorescence.