[[alternative]]A Taxonomic Study of Caryophyllaceae subfam. Silenoideae of Taiwan.

[[abstract]]The subfamily Silenoideae (Caryophyllaceae) in Taiwan was taxonomically revised based on morphological, palynological, cytotaxonomic, phytogeographical, and ecological studies. Style numbers and morphology of petals, sepals, epicalyx, seeds and capsules were the most important characters in distinguishing the two genera in Taiwan. Morphology of petals, sepals, stem and seeds are the most valuable characters for taxonomy within the two genera. Distribution, life form, sepals, capsules morphology and types of hairs also provide useful application. For palynological study, the number of apertures and exine sculpturing show interspecific difference. Cytologically, Dianthus have chromosome base number x=15, and 2n=24 is quite common in silene. The chromosome numbers of fourteen taxa were exeamind in this study. Five taxa were polyploid. Dianthus palinensis (n=15), D. seisuimontanus (n=15), S. fortunei var. bilobata (n=15), S. formosamontana (2n=72), S. morrisonmontana var. morrisonmontana (2n=72) and S. morrisonmontana var. glabella (n=36) were determined for the first time. Ten species and four varieties of two genera were treated, including eight endemic taxa. A new species (S. formosamontana) and a new record (S. firma) were treated. Dianthus pygmaeus form. albiflorus was treated as synonymy of D. pygmaeus. Dianthus superbus var. taiwanensis was treated as synonymy of D. superbus var. superbus. Silene transalpina was treated as synonymy of S. morrisonmontana. Dianthus superbus var. superbus, D. seisuimontanus and S. fortunei var. bilobata were recognized. S. glabella was transfered as a variety of S. morrisonmontana.