Molecular evidence for natural hybridization between Rumex crispus and R. obtusifolius (Polygonaceae) in Korea.

Interspecific hybridization has been suggested to occur frequently in Rumex (Polygonaceae). Several hypothesized combinations of parental species of hybrids based on their intermediate morphology have been suggested in the genus, but few of them have been phylogenetically tested. We analyzed nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequence data of a putative natural hybrid between Rumex crispus and Rumex obtusifolius from Korea to confirm its hybrid status and to determine the maternal parent.

Polyploidy and introgression in invasive giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) during the colonization of remote volcanic islands.

Invasive giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) is native to northeastern Asia. In Korea, F. sachalinensis is confined to two volcanic islands, Ullung and Dok islands, where it occurs as dodecaploids (2n = 132).

DNA barcoding of Orchidaceae in Korea.

Species of Orchidaceae are under severe threat of extinction mainly due to overcollection and habitat destruction; accurate identification of orchid species is critical in conservation biology and sustainable utilization of orchids as plant resources. We examined 647 sequences of the cpDNA regions rbcL, matK, atpF-atpH IGS, psbK-psbI IGS and trnH-psbA IGS from 89 orchid species (95 taxa) and four outgroup taxa to develop an efficient DNA barcode for Orchidaceae in Korea. The five cpDNA barcode regions were successfully amplified and sequenced for all chlorophyllous taxa, but the amplification and sequencing of the same regions in achlorophyllous taxa produced variable results.