Comparative morphology and anatomy of Korean Boehmeria achenes and their taxonomic significance

This study confirmed the taxonomic significance of achenes by observing and comparing the morphology and anatomical characteristics of 13 taxa of the genus Boehmeria in Korea. The results confirmed that the achenes studied here are the drupe-like fruit type with mucilage in the exocarp, and during the fruiting season, the perianth persists on the pericarp. The morphological characteristics of the achenes, specifically the number per glomerule as well as the size, shape, color, and trichome were taxonomically significant. The anatomical characteristics of the transverse sectional shape and wings, the thickness of each pericarp layer, the shape of the crystalliferous cells in the mesocarp, and the number of sclereid cell layers in the endocarp were also found to be important. Particularly, the size and wings of the achenes were informative for distinguishing between Sect. Tilocnide and Sect. Duretia, while other characteristics were differentiated among series or certain taxa within the series. The taxonomic significance of the achenes is discussed through comparisons with previously studied taxa and their characteristics. Accordingly, the results of this study can provide valuable insight for those seeking to understand the evolutionary trends of achenes in Boehmeria in the future.