Research Paper

Morphological and molecular evidence for the recognition of Glechoma grandis (A. Gray) Kuprian. (Lamiaceae) in Korea

Ju Eun Jang, Hye Been Kim, Kang-Hyup Lee, Eun Su Kang, Gyu Young Chung, Jae Young Kim, Won-Bum Cho, Dong Chan Son

Published on: 02 July 2026

Page: 566 - 573

DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.566

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    Abstract

    The genus Glechoma L. (Lamiaceae) has long been regarded as monotypic in Korea, represented solely by G. longituba (Nakai) Kuprian. However, recent field surveys and herbarium studies have revealed the occurrence of Glechoma grandis (A. Gray) Kuprian. in Korea, a species previously overlooked or misidentified as G. longituba. To clarify its taxonomic identity, we conducted morphological comparisons, principal component analysis (PCA) of floral characters, and phylogenetic analyses based on nrDNA ITS sequences. Our results show that G. grandis is clearly distinguished from G. longituba by the shape of the calyx teeth and the relative length of the bracteoles to the pedicels. Furthermore, molecular phylogenetic analyses support the recognition of G. grandis as a distinct lineage. These findings confirm the presence of two Glechoma species in Korea. Here, we provide a taxonomic treatment, including an updated key to the Korean species and a detailed description for G. grandis.

    Keyword: East Asia, Glechoma, Glechoma longituba, Korea, Lamiaceae, species delimitation, taxonomy

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