매괴화와 월계화(장미과)의 화피 미세형태학적 연구

Abstract

Background: Rosa rugosa Thunb. (Rosae Rugosae Flos) and R. chinensis Jacq. (Rosae Chinensis Flos) are medicinal shrubs widely used in East Asia, where dried flower buds are traded as herbal drugs. Because the two species exhibit similar floral morphology but differ in their pharmacopeia status, accurate identification is essential to ensure authenticity and quality control. Moreover, con- firming the taxonomic position of the white-flowered R. rugosa is necessary to evaluate the origins of Rosae Rugosae Flos. Methods and Results: Fresh R. rugosa and its white variants were collected, and herbal samples of R. rugosa and R. chinensis were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The petals of all taxa had papillate epidermis with cuticular striations, indicating functional stability. The white-flowered R. rugosa shared identical traits, confirming intraspecific variation within the same species. The sepals of R. rugosa bore secretory and simple trichomes, whereas those of R. chinensis were glabrous, providing a key diagnostic marker. Conclusions: These results indicate that sepal trichome distribution is a reliable diagnostic marker for distinguishing R. rugosa from R. chinensis. The findings also confirm that the white-flowered R. rugosa should be regarded as an intraspecific variation. This study provides essential micromor- phological criteria for authenticating Rosa-derived herbal medicines, thereby contributing to their safe and effective pharmacological use.