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

Abstract

Polygonatum kingianum Collett 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 Polygonatum kingianum in leaves, bracts, perianth and filaments. Morphological comparison and molecular phylogeny indicate that it is identical to the newly-published Polygonatum hunanense H.H. Liu & B.Z. Wang (2021). Hence, we propose that P. kingianum var. grandifolium should be recognised as a new synonym of P. hunanense. In addition, phylogenetic analyses confirmed that P. hunanense is sister to Polygonatum sect. Polygonatum, rather than P. kingianum of Polygonatum sect. Verticillata.