Taxonomic revision of Disporum Salisb. (Colchicaceae, Uvularioideae) of Taiwan

Abstract. A taxonomic revision of Disporum of Taiwan is presented with two species and one variety being recognised. The diagnostic characters of Disporum include the colour of tepals, stolon morphology, the trichomes of filaments and style and leaf morphology. These characters, along with karyotype and pollen morphology, are discussed and evaluated amongst different taxa. As a result, D.kawakamii and D.shimadae are treated as independent species, rather than varieties of D.cantoniense and D.sessile, respectively. Disporumnantouense is treated as a synonym of D.sessilevar.intermediumstat. nov. Detailed descriptions, type information, diagnostic key, line drawings, photos and distribution maps are provided.