Characterization of Ceropegia vietnamensis: a study based on morphological, microanatomical and molecular data
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15649/2346075X.4433Keywords:
Ceropegia vietnamensis, morphology plant, comparative microanatomy, ITS, trnL intronAbstract
Introduction. Ceropegia vietnamensis is a recently described, range-restricted species endemic to the Binh Chau–Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, Vietnam. It closely resembles C. laotica, C. bulbosa, and C. murlensis in general morphology and floral traits, making its distinction based solely on external characters challenging. Objectives. This study provides the first integrated dataset for C. vietnamensis, combining detailed morphological, anatomical, and molecular evidence to support its recognition and facilitate future taxonomic assessments. Materials and Methods. Comparative morphology was used to confirm species identity. Anatomical structures of vegetative organs were examined via transverse sections stained with iodine green–carmine. Total genomic DNA was extracted using the CTAB 2X protocol, and the ITS and trnL intron regions were amplified by PCR. Results. The anatomical structure of C. vietnamensis was described for the first time and compared to the closely related C. bulbosa var. lushii, revealing diagnostic differences in root, stem, and leaf anatomy. Sequence comparisons showed 93–96% identity in the ITS region and 99% identity in the trnL region when aligned with C. bulbosa and C. murlensis, indicating moderate molecular divergence consistent with species-level distinction. Conclusions. The combination of morphological, anatomical, and molecular data strengthens the taxonomic delimitation of C. vietnamensis and contributes valuable reference information for future phylogenetic and systematic studies within the genus Ceropegia.
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