• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.102-107
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• 2022

Rhododendron keiskei var. hypoglaucum (Ericaceae) was recently reported in Korea, with a disjunct distribution on the southern islands of the Korean Peninsula. Although chromosome numbers and ploidy variations are important traits in angiosperms, gaining a clear understanding the cytological features of Rhododendron has been hampered by the small size of its chromosomes. We herein report the chromosome number, karyotype structure, and genome size of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum for the first time. The chromosome number of the investigated plants was 2n = 26 with x = 13 as the base chromosome number, which is the one of the frequently encountered base chromosome numbers in Rhododendron. The karyotype of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum is composed of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes similar in length, which ranged from 1.39 to 2.40 ㎛. The DNA 1C-value in all examined accessions was small, ranging from 0.63 to 0.65 pg, further supporting the stable genome size in Rhododendron. These comprehensive cytological results provide a framework for detailed molecular, cytogenetic, and phylogenomic analyses that can be used to interpret the slow species diversification rate in Rhododendron.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.239-242
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• 2015

Rhododendron keiskei Miq. var. hypoglaucum Suto & Suzuki (Ericaceae) was found in Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, Korea. This species is distinguished from related taxa in Korea by lepidote hairs entire, flower-bud terminal, inflorescences umbel-like racemes, corolla lepidot outside, white tinged with yellow. This taxon was named 'Seom-Jin-Dal-Lae' in Korean based on its habitat. We provide its description, illustrations, photographs and a key of related taxa in Korea.