Studies of Vietnamese Pteridophyte Flora 3

Area of Science:

• Botany
• Plant Systematics
• Molecular Phylogenetics

Background:

• The pteridophyte flora of Vietnam requires ongoing taxonomic updates.
• Previous research has established a foundation for understanding fern diversity in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document new fern records for Vietnam.
• To clarify the phylogenetic positions of specific fern species using DNA data.
• To report chromosome numbers for Vietnamese ferns, including novel findings.

Main Methods:

• Field collections and taxonomic identification of pteridophytes.
• Phylogenetic analyses utilizing three plastid DNA markers.
• Chromosome counting for selected fern species.

Main Results:

• Three new national fern records for Vietnam were identified: *Haplopteris yakushimensis*, *Lindsaea kohkongensis*, and *Pteris pseudowulaiensis*.
• Phylogenetic analyses placed *Lindsaea kohkongensis* as sister to *L. ensifolia* and *Leptochilus poilanei* within *L. cantoniensis*.
• Chromosome counts were determined for 20 species, with first-time reports for seven species and identification of three new cytotypes.

Conclusions:

• This research contributes significantly to the knowledge of Vietnam's pteridophyte flora through new records and phylogenetic insights.
• The study highlights the importance of integrating diverse data, such as DNA sequences and chromosome numbers, for robust taxonomic treatments.
• Further comprehensive data collection is essential for a complete understanding of Vietnam's fern diversity and systematics.