Identification of Typhonium flagelliforme and Its Closely Related Species in Java Island Using Morphology and SRAP Markers

Abstract

Keladi tikus (Typhonium flagelliforme) is a medicinal plant originated from Indonesia with its potential role as a cancer adjuvant therapy. The plant is commonly confused with other species from the genus Typhonium due to similarity in their morphology. Correct identification of authentic plant species becomes very important, especially in the purpose of developing an herbal medicine with a good quality control or standardization. In this study, 15 plant samples of Typhonium in Java Island were collected, including naturally growing plants and those which have been cultivated. The aim of this study is to perform taxonomy identification of Typhonium flagelliforme of different accessions in Java and its closely related species using morphology and SRAP markers. Plants were characterized based on their morphological characteristics, especially in the flowers and the leaves. Three species were predicted to present in the collection, including Tyhphonium flagelliforme, Typhonium roxburghii, and Typhonium blumei. Some morphological variations were also observed among Typhonium flagelliforme of different accessions. Genetic variations were then analysed by using SRAP markers that were found to be useful to identify inter and intra-specific variation among the plants.