Discussion on the Taxonomic Position and Nomenclature of Liaodong Oak(Fagaceae)

Liaodong oak is one of the main edificators of warm temperate deciduous broad-leaved forests in China,and plays a very important role in maintaining ecological balance and improving environment.There have been many controversial opinions about its taxonomic position.Both taxonomic position and nomenclature of Liaodong oak are discussed based on the information and evidence of plant morphology,geographical distribution,karyotypic analysis,chemical taxonomy,DNA molecular marking,and numerical taxonomy.The results indicate that the specific position of Liaodong oak should be maintained and it is irrational to entirely deny its taxonomic position in the genus Quercus.We suggest the Chinese name "辽东栎(Liao-dongli)" instead of "五台栎(Wutaili)" and the Latin name "Quercus wutaishanica Mayr" instead of "Quercus liaotungensis Koidz" is appropriate for Liaodong oak.