To clarify some ambiguous diagnostic characters of Callicarpa japonica Thunb, and Callicarpa dichotoma (Lour) K. Koch in Korea (Verbenaceae), the external morphology and micromorphology (leaf, anther, pollen, fruit, in particular endocarp surface and structure) of two taxa are studied and described in detail. It is confirmed that the following characteristics (e.g., the stem outline in a cross-section, the bud shape and length, the corolla tube length and the lobe length, the pattern of the anther dehiscence and length, and the endocarp morphology) are useful for distinguishing these two taxa. In particular, following three characteristics are most useful for an identification: (1) the corolla tube length of C. japonica (2.5-4.6 mm) is longer than that of C. dichotoma (0.7-1.0 mm); (2) the anther is dehiscing by an apical pore at the anthesis of C. japonica, while it is opening by a long fissure from the apex to the base in C. dichotoma; and (3) the edge of the endocarp (lateral view) in C. japonica is concave, while in C. dichotoma it is shown to be flat. On the other hand, the teeth state on the leaf margin and the position of inflorescence are not good diagnostic characteristics for identification. Additionally, the keys for all known Callicarpa taxa in Korea are provided.
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