Research of the Distribution of <i>Peucedanum japonicum</i> Thunb. in Islands and Mainland of Kagoshima Prefecture

Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. is a perennial plant in the Peucedanum of Seriaceae that is distributed in subtropical to warm temperate regions of East Asia. In Japan, it grows wild in the Okinawa islands and mainland and islands of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is rich in vitamin C, β-carotene, lutein, and polyphenols, and has been reported to contain a variety of antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to investigate its distribution in Kagoshima Prefecture in detail, to clarify native habitat, and elucidate its propagation route. The research sites were coastal areas of Minami-Satsuma City, Koshikijima Islands, Amami Oshima Island, Tanegashima Island, Kikaijima Island, Okinoerabujima Island, and Kakeromajima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. GPS data were recorded in the native habitats, and the varieties of P. japonicum were categorized on the basis of their morphology. The results showed that the varieties were mainly found in rocky coastal areas and were rarely found in sandy areas. On Koshijima Islands, it was observed on the cliffs about 200 m above sea level. In Setouchi Town, Amami Oshima Island, individual plants similar to P. japonicum var. australe in leaves form and plant stature was observed. In five of the surveyed areas (Minamisatsuma City, Amami Oshima Island, Kamikoshikijima Island, Nakakoshiki jima Island, and Shimokoshikijima Island, in Kagoshima Prefecture), the leaves of pnats were collected, and their DNA was extracted, then they were conducted for cluster analysis. As a result, the phylogenetic trees were classified into three clusters in Minami-Satsuma City, Amami Oshima Island and Koshikijima Islands by the ME, NJ and UPGMA methods.