• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.114-135
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• 2015

The taxa of Dryopteris subg. Erythrovariae are variable in morphology, resulting in taxonomic confusion in delimiting taxon boundaries. We examined the morphological characteristics of the Korean members of subg. Erythrovariae to clarify their taxonomic identities and relationships. The shapes of the blades, pinnae, and pinnule apices, the shapes and colors of the scales, and the positions of sori were useful for delimiting the Korean taxa of the subgenus. Based on the results of this study and evidence from previous studies, 13 taxa comprising 12 species and one variety of Dryopteris subg. Erythrovariae were recognized in Korea. Descriptions of all Korean taxa of the subg. Erythrovariae and a key to the species are provided. The descriptions presented here are based on field observations and the examination of some 1,000 specimens from the major herbaria of the world.