A new distribution of Corydalis edulis Maxim. is discovered in Korea. This species was collected from the edge of a forest in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. Corydalis edulis is well distinguished from other species of the genus by its annual habit, stigma transversely fusiform, with a papilla at each end and a longitudinal groove on the upper surface. Here, we provide a detailed morphological description, photographs, illustrations, distribution maps of the species, and a taxonomic key to related taxa in Korea. In addition, it is likely that a new habitat will be discovered during plant biodiversity investigations on the Korean Peninsula.

Keywords: Corydalis edulis; distribution; new record; Papaveraceae

INTRODUCTION

The genus Corydalis DC. (Papaveraceae: Fumarioideae) comprises more than 500 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere and the high mountains of tropical eastern Africa (Lidén, 1996; Sagare et al., 2000; Pérez-Gutiérrez et al., 2015; Chen et al., 2023; Liu et al., 2024; POWO, 2025). These species are most diverse in China and the Himalayas, with at least 357 in China (Zhang et al., 2008). Many Corydalis species are known for their medicinal uses, and some are important economically (Jiang et al., 2018). This genus is clearly distinguished from other genera by certain characteristic features, which include symmetrical flowers, distinct structures of the stamens and petals, and the persistence of the style after fruit maturation (Damerval and Nadot, 2007; Yang, 2016; Kim et al., 2023). In Korean taxa, the genus Corydalis consists of two subgenera and eight sections, with the subgenus Sophorocapnos accounting for five of these sections. Previous studies reported 18 to 25 species of C. in Korea (Yang, 2016; Oh, 2017); however, the most recent checklist of Korean vascular plants (Son et al., 2025) recognizes 35 species.

During a plant diversity field survey, C. edulis Maxim., previously unrecorded among Korean flora, was collected in Korea. Corydalis edulis was previously classified in sect. Aulacostigma Lidén as a monotypic species based on the presence of a groove on the stigma (Zhang et al., 2008). However, recent molecular phylogenetic studies have resulted in it being transferred to sect. Thalictrifoliae (Fedde) Lidén (Zhang et al., 2016; Chen et al., 2023). This species is characterized by a taproot, pinnate to bipinnate leafy stems, small bracts with teeth, and pink to purple flowers (Zhang et al., 2008). The stigma is transverse and fusiform, with one erect papilla at each end and a longitudinal groove on the upper surface.

We here formally report the first occurrence of the Corydalis edulis in Korea (Figs. 1 –3), providing its morphological characteristics with photographs, illustrations, distribution maps, and a taxonomic key to related taxa as well as habitat details.

Fig. 1

Photographs of Corydalis edulis Maxim. A. Habit. B. Plant. C. Roots. D. Stems. E. Leaves. a, basal leaves; b–d, cauline leaves. F. Various views of the inflorescence during early growth. G. View of the inflorescence with flowers. H. Branched view of the inflorescence. I. Front view of flowers. J. Connection of bract, pedicel, and sepal. a, bract; b, pedicel; c, sepal. K. Sepals. a, outer side; b, inner side. L. Upper petals. a, inner side; b, outer side. M. Lower petals. a, outer side; b, inner side. N. Inner petals. a, b, inner and outer sides; c, d, separated inner and outer sides. O. Structure of flowers. a, b, split views; c, d, reproductive parts. P. Pistils and stamens. a, inner and outer sides of stamen; b, views of pistil. Q. Stigmas. a, front view; b, top view; c, top view with pollen. R. Capsules and seed. a, b, various views of capsule; c, seed.

Fig. 2

Illustrations of Corydalis edulis Maxim. A. Plant. B. Roots. C. Stems. D. Leaves. a, basal leaves; b–d, cauline leaves. E. Inflorescence. F. Sepals. a, outer side; b, inner side. G. Flowers. a, side view; b, top view. H. Bract (black arrow). I. Pedicel (red arrow). J. Upper petals. a, inner side; b, outer side. K. Lower petals. a, outer side; b, inner side. L. Inner petals. a, b, outer and inner sides; c, d, separated inner and outer sides. M. Stamens. a, b, inner and outer sides. N. Pistils. a, with ovary and stigma; b, top view of stigma; c, front view of stigma. O. Seeds.

Fig. 3

Distribution maps of Corydalis edulis Maxim. in Korea.

TAXONOMIC TREATMENT

Corydalis edulis Maxim., Bull. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Pétersbourg, sér. 3. 24: 30, 1878.—TYPE: CHINA. not located, 1875, Piasezki s.n. (syntype: LE, 01014364, photo!); Shanxi, 1875, Piasezki s.n. (syntype: LE, 01014365, photo!); Gansu, 1875, Piasezki s.n. (syntype: LE, 01014366, photo!); Hubei, 1875, Piasezki s.n. (syntype: LE, 01014367, photo!).

Korean name: Gak-si-goe-bul-ju-meo-ni (각시괴불주머니).

Herbs, annual, glaucous, odorless, 15–50 cm tall, with taproot. Taproot a few extending obliquely to the sides, with beard roots, slightly yellowish. Stems leafy, weak, decumbent to ascending, multi-branched. Squamiform leaves absent. Basal leaves pinnate to bipinnate; petioles 2–7 cm long. Cauline leaves 2–5, similar to basal ones; petioles 1–6 cm long, reduced upward; blades 5–13 cm long, divided once into 2 or 4 pairs, without leaflets towards the apex; pinnately lobed, apex obtuse. Inflorescences terminal, raceme, 4–12-flowered, 5–15 cm long; bracts ovate to lanceolate, 4–6 mm long, apex acuminate, margin slightly irregularly incised; pedicels 3–5 mm long before anthesis, 5–10 mm long after anthesis. Flowers pink to purple. Sepals orbicular to slightly reniform, 1.5–2.5 mm long, apex caudate, margin dentate. Outer petals flat, broad, retuse, crestless; upper petal 1.5–2.5 cm long; spur cylindric, slightly curved downward; nectary long, reaching the spur. Lower petal broader than apex of upper petal, 1.5–2.2 cm long; inner petals with a crest, 1.3–1.5 cm long; claw slightly longer than petal lobes. Stamens 2, 1.1–1.2 cm long; anthers yellow; filament bundles 1.0–1.1 mm long. Ovary fusiform, 1.3–1.5 cm long; stigma transverse, fusiform, papillate at ends, apex grooved with minute papillae, 1.5–1.8 mm. Fruits capsules, linear, slightly crescent-shaped, elongate, pendent, 3.5–4.5 cm. Seeds lens-shaped and rounded, 1.4 × 1.5 mm, arranged in 1 row.

Flowering: April to May.

Fruiting: May to June.

Distribution and habitat: Corydalis edulis was known to be distributed only in China (Zhang et al., 2008; POWO, 2025). It is an annual and grows primarily in the temperate biome (Zhang et al., 2008). In this study, a newly discovered natural distribution at a forest edge in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea, is described. The population is composed of approximately 1,000 individuals. In Korea, C. edulis was discovered only in a highly restricted area in the western part of the central region of the country. It was determined to be a native species based on its global distribution and on the natural habitat and ecological environment of Korea, especially as it is far from the main road, has no inflow route, and mostly native plants grow in the location. This species was discovered under shrubs (e.g., Rosa multiflora Thunb. and Rubus crataegifolius Bunge), a vine (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi), and together with other herbaceous plants, in this case Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc., Cocculus trilobus (Thunb.) DC., Chenopodium album L., Arenaria serpyllifolia L., Stellaria aquatica (L.) Scop., S. media (L.) Vill., Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke, Bothriospermum tenellum (Hornem.) Fisch. & C. A. Mey., Trigonotis peduncularis (Trevir.) Steven ex Palib., Lamium amplexicaule L., Mazus pumilus (Burm. f.) Steenis, Veronica persica Poir., Galium spurium L., Artemisia indica Willd., Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers., Hemistepta lyrata Bunge, Ixeris polycephala Cass., Youngia japonica (L.) DC. s ub sp. elstonii (Hochr.) Babc. & Stebbins, and Commelina communis L.

Specimens examined: KOREA. Gyeonggi-do: Hwaseong-si, Seosin-myeon, Sagot-ri, 5 May 2025, Jung Sim Lee LJS25-404 (KB); ibid., 6 May 2025, Jung Sim Lee LJS25-405, LJS25-406 (KB); ibid., 8 May 2025, Jung Sim Lee LJS25-407 (KB); ibid., 9 May 2025, Jung Sim Lee LJS25-408, LJS25-409 (KB); ibd.i, 8 M ay 2 025, Jung-Hyun Kim KIMJH25163, KIMJH25164, KIMJH25165, KIMJH25166, KIMJH25167, KIMJH25168, KIMJH25169 (KB).

CHINA. Anhui: 19 Jun 1911, Fumariacu 3570 (NAS); ibid., Lan Shan, Pu Chun, Apr 1926, C. N. Chun 2493 (PE); ibid., 23 Apr 2011, Fang Jianxin TangXS0192 (KUN). Fujian: 17 Mar 1990, Gao Yuanlong 0440 (FJSI); ibid., Apr 1990, Gao Yuanlong s.n. (FJSI); i b id., 23 Mar 1980, He Guosheng 568 (FJSI); ibid., 10 Mar 1980, He Guosheng 390 (PE). Gansu: 19 May 1976, Hu Zhixin 709 (IBSC); ibid., 25 Apr 1977, Hu Zhixin 78 (IBSC); ibid., 30 Apr 1964, Wang Zuobin 19091 (WUK); ibid., 3 May 1964, Wang Zuobin 19159 (WUK). Guizhou: 7 Feb 1931, Y. Tsiang 8058 (PE); ibid., 4 Apr 1931, C. N. Chen 3922 (IBSC); ibid., 31 Mar 2014, Long Shengming 522223140331015LY (GZTM); ibid., 31 Mar 2014, Wang Lan 522223140331019LY (GZTM); ibid., 20 Apr 2015, Suiyang 520323150420396LY (GZTM); ibid., 18 Apr 2018, Ma Xunjian 2018824 (QNUN). Hebei: 9 May 1993, Wan Dingrong 112 (PE); ibid., 26 Jun 1996, Shi Shigui S-0325 (PE); ibid., 19 Mar 1919, ? s.n. (PE); ibid., 21 Apr 1951, Liu Xinyuan & Zhao Fu 029 (PE); ibid., 23 May 1950, Wang Wencai & Xu Lianwang 165 (PE). Beijing: 26 Apr 1959, Team B 703 (PE); ibid., 2 May 2009, Zhao Liangcheng xzz-003 (BJFC); ibid., 13 May 1981, ? Lyo310 (BJFC). Henan: 20 Apr 1985, Zhou Changshan 2021 (PE); ibid., 18 Jun 1935, K. M. Liou 4381 (PE); ibid., 19 May 1994, D. E. Boufford et al. 26058 (PE); ibid., 12 Mar 1935, Tsui Hwa 51 (PE); ibid., 27 May 1932, K. S. Hao 3261 (PE); ibid., 26 May 1994, D. E. Boufford et al. 26244 (PE). Hubei: 8 May 1957, Liu Ying 117 (PE); ibid., 6 Apr 1963, Zheng Zhong 14 (PE); ib id., 6 May 1957, Liu Ying 6 (PE); ibid., 1 Jul 1976, Shennongjia Team 70566 (PE); ibid., 28 May 2011, Gan Qiliang, GanQL006 (PE). Hunan: 8 May 1957, Nie Minxiang & Li Qiho 117 (LBG); ibid., 29 Mar 1984, Lin Qinzhong 18003 (CSFI); ibid., 6 Apr 1964, Liu Dengjia 73 (HNNU); ibid., 28 Mar 1982, Liu Linhan 18152 (HNNU). Jiangsu: 24 Apr 1951, F. S. Lui 917 (HHBG); ibid., 1 Apr 2011, Xiong Yuning et al. 1239 (NAS); ibid., 30 Apr 1967, Wu Wenxiang 237 (NAS); ibid., 30 Mar 2000, Wu Wenxiang 10385 (NAS); ibid., 22 May 1915, Courtois 5577 (NAS). Jiangxi: 4 May 1983, Yang Xiangxue 830246 (IBSC); ibid., 5 Apr 1921, Courtois 28674 (NAS); ibid., 23 Apr 1941, H. Migo s.n. (NAS); ibid., 1 Jun 1991, Yao Gan Jiang Ruping 11813 (NAS); ibid., 27 Mar 2015, Tan Ceming 1503088 (JJF). Shaanxi: 11 May 1959, Jiang Shu & Jin Cunli 00161 (PE); ibid., 21 Apr 1976, Guan Kejian 76151 (PE); ibid., 5 Jul 1951, Guo Benzhao 62 (PE); ibid., 30 Apr 1937, W. Y. Hsia & C. H. Wang 49 (PE); ibid., 19 Aug 1937, T. N. Liou & P. C. Tsoong 36 (PE); i b id., 14 Apr 1933, T. P. Wang 1223 (PE); ibid., 8 May 1938, K. M. Liou 8299 (PE); ibid., 20 May 1986, Chen Binghui 11 (IBSC). Shandong: 17 Apr 2005, Guo Chengyong 053026-2 (PE); ib id., 2 J un 2 005, Guo Chengyong 053159-6 (PE); ibid., 4 Jun 2005, Guo Chengyong 054180-1 (PE); ibid., 14 Apr 2014, Hou Yuantong et al. 13010109 (QFNU); ibid., 1 May 2015, Bu Ruilan et al. Lilan82 (KUN); ibid., 20 Apr 2017, Gao Demin et al., Lilan977 (KUN); ibid., 4 May 2004, Guo Chengyong 1506043-1 (PE). Shanxi: 24 May 1924, Harry Smith 5506 (PE); ibid., 14 Apr 1933, T. P. Wang 1223 (IBSC); ibid., 17 Oct 2010, Liu Mingguang & Jiao Lei Zhang F0206 (KUN); ibid., 18 Jun 1983, Huangtu Team (Shanxi) 438 (WUK); ibid., 14 Apr 2004, Lu Duanzheng s.n. (BJFC); ibid., 11 May 1959, Liu Xinyuan 5024 (HSIB). Sichuan: 27 May 2021, Wei Jingli & Liu Changkun DLW-08-B-036 (SZ); ibid., 23 Jun 1958, Chen Shanyong et al. 10356 (NAS); ibid., 20 Feb 1939, C. W. Yao 3488 (NAS); ibid., 20 Jun 1977, He Xianyu 4019 (NAS); ibid., 2 Mar 1999, Li Zehong 662 (NAS); ibid., 5 Apr 2019, Yu Qi et al. CIBYQ047B005 (KUN). Yunnan: 28 May 1989, Hongshui River Plant Investigation Team 89-1940 (PE); ibid., 23 Jun 1989, Hongshui River Plant Investigation Team 89-2492 (PE); ib id., 21 Jun 1989, Hongshui River Plant Investigation Team 89-2441 (PE). Zhejiang: 7 Jul 1927, W. Y. Hsia 190 (PE); ibid., 3 May 1957, Zhang Shaoyao 453, Zhang Shaoyao 896 (PE); i b id., 3 May 1957, He Xianyu 435 (IBSC); ibid., 17 Apr 1983, Zhang Yuhua 84001 (KUN).

Key to the species of Corydalis in Korea

1. Plants with tubers; stems tapering to a leafless underground base ························ section Corydalis, section Duplotuber
1. Plants without tubers; lower part of stem leafy or leafless but not tapering to a thin underground base.
- 2. Flowers pink to purple.
  - 3. Perennial ······················································································································· C. gigantea
  - 3. Annual or biennial.
    
    4. Stigma rectangular, with 4 simple marginal papillae ································································· C. incisa
    
    4. Stigma transversely fusiform, with a papilla at each end ···························································· C. edulis
- 2. Flowers yellow to whitish.
  - 5. Stem angular; stigma compressed-quadrate.
    
    6. Capsule narrowly obovoid; seeds in 2 rows ······································································ C. ochotensis
    
    6. Capsule linear to broadly linear; seeds in 1 row.
    
    7. Base of lower outer petal hemispherical; capsule with 2–5 seeds; stigma with 14 papillae ······ C. pauciovulata
    
    7. Base of lower outer petal flattened; capsule with 4–7 seeds; stigma with 8 papillae ·················· C. raddeana
  - 5. Stem rounded; stigma V-shaped or rectangular.
    
    8. Stigma with 8 papillae; seed surface low-colliculate.
    
    9. Flowers yellow; upper petal 17–22 mm long ········································································· C. speciosa
    
    9. Flowers whitish with yellow tip; upper petal 16–17 mm long ················ C. speciosa var. changbaishanensis
    
    8. Stigma with 6 papillae; seed surface spinulose.
    
    10. Flower usually rather broad at apex ··················································································· C. pallida
    
    10. Flower often narrow at apex.
    
    11. Seed in 1 row, with 9–11 seeds ········································································ C. heterocarpa
    
    11. Seed in 2 rows, with 13–18 seeds ······································································· C. platycarpa

Notes

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR), funded by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) of the Republic of Korea (NIBR202502101).

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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