Variation in the Development and Morphology of Rhizomes of Sophora flavescens (Leguminosae)

Abstract

Development and morphology of rhizomes were examined in 14 individuals of Sophora flavescens collected in Japan and introduced from South Korea and China. They were distinguished into two groups of individuals: one has creeping rhizomes as well as thickened vertical ones and the other has only thickened vertical ones. The former included individuals introduced from Beijing and Hangchow, China, and the latter included those from Japan, South Korea and other regions in China. Although morphological differences in the above-ground organs have not yet been found between the two rhizome groups, differences in rhizome morphology may be a trait that contributes to intraspecific taxonomy of S. flavescens. The distribution of the two rhizome types needs to be further investigated, especially in China.