Redefining the distributional boundaries of Indigofera kirilowii and Indigofera koreana in Korea

Le résumé fourni par la source

Indigofera kirilowii (Fabaceae), found throughout East Asia, and the Korean endemic Indigofera koreana are phylogenetically related and morphologically similar species. In South Korea, I. kirilowii is primarily known to inhabit the northeastern region, while I. koreana predominantly occupies the southwestern region. However, given their morphological similarity, these two species are apt to be misidentified, and their distribution boundaries have not been clearly defined. To address this issue, we conducted nationwide field surveys and undertook herbarium investigations, analyzing approximately 1,700 specimens to gain a clearer understanding of their distribution. While our findings largely correlate with previously understood patterns (i.e., I. kirilowii in the northeast and I. koreana in the southwest), we identified a broad transitional zone spanning Chungcheongbuk-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Daejeon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Daegu, and Gyeongsangnam-do. Within these transitional areas, we documented new occurrences of both species co-occurring on the same mountain, particularly at Mt. Baebangsan in Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, and Mt. Gyejoksan in Daedeok-gu, Daejeon. Additionally, we noted instances where the species deviated from their primary distribution areas. Unexpectedly, I. koreana was found in Sokcho-si and Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (locations far northeast of its known range), representing a putative northernmost limit for the species. These findings enhance our understanding of the distributions of both species and underscore the need for further ecological and population genetic studies to clarify the historical dynamics of the ranges of these species.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.