Ultrastructure of the air pores as a diagnostic feature of the Liriope Lour. genus

The paper examines the issue of taxonomy of the Liriope genus, what, to some extent, prevents an effective research of the representatives of this genus in order to find lawn grass substitutes for shady places. For a more accurate identification of the Liriope samples available in the collection of the Kuban Subtropical Botanical Garden (Sochi), we have used scans of the ultrastructure of the air pores and epicuticular wax particles made by Camscan S-2 (x1000). Based on the comparative analysis of these micrographs we’ve found out that the species L. koreana and L. platyphylla are independent species. The sample L. aff. muscari was identified as L. zhejiangensis G. H. Xia et G. Y. Li, described as a separate species in 2012. The comparative analysis of L. muscari 'Royal Purple' and L. muscari 'Variegata' raised some doubts about belonging of these common cultivars to the same species. The survey results will allow us to solve the problem of long-term field experience and correct the course of our work with the representatives of this genus.