The identity of Withania kansuensis (Solanaceae): insight from trichome morphology
Abstract
Withania kansuensis was treated as a synonym of W. somnifera in Flora of China, although it was suggested to be a possible distinct species by its reported simple (vs. dendritic in W. somnifera) trichomes. In the present study, we examined the trichome morphology of both taxa and identified a continuous series of five types, including intermediate forms between simple and dendritic trichome. This demonstrates a continuous morphological variation in trichomes between the two taxa. Our findings therefore support that W. kansuensis is conspecific with W. somnifera.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Plant Diversity and Evolution
Plant and Fungal Species Descriptions
Plant Taxonomy and Phylogenetics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Phytotaxa
- Volume
- 744
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 92–96
- Publication date
- 2 March 2026
- Language
- EN