Taxonomic entities of two Korean plant taxa: Vicia bifolia (Fabaceae) and Cyperus compressus (Cyperaceae)

Abstract

Vicia bifolia Nakai (Fabaceae) and Cyperus compressus L. (Cyperaceae) have been ambiguous in terms of their distribution and taxonomic entities in Korea. The existence of these two taxa was confirmed when V. bifolia and C. compressus was found on Jellabuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, and Jeju-do. Vicia bifolia is similar to V. unijuga by having a pair of leaflets but is distinguished by the length of the petiole, the size and degree of longevity of the bracts, and the shape of the stipules. Cyperus compressus was found on Jeju-do, is similar to C. tenuispica, C. haspan, and C. flaccidus, but is distinguished by the branching pattern of the inflorescences and the size of scales and achenes. A description, differences from related species, a key to the taxa and photographs of Korean Vicia bifolia and Cyperus compressus are provided in this study.