Table 1. Key morphological comparison of L. paradoxa, L. duciformis, L. ×maoniushanensis and L. lamarum.

Taxon	Inflorescence	Leaf blades	Pappus
Ligularia paradoxa	Corymbs	Orbicular or broadly ovate, 3 to 8 palmatisect	Brown, shorter than tubular corolla and longer than its tube, usually deciduous
L. ducifomis	Compound corymbs	Reniform or cordate, margin irregularly dentate	White or lower part yellow, as long as tube of tubular corolla
L. ×maoniushanensis	Corymbs	Broadly ovate, palmately lobed to middle	Wine-colored, white at base, shorter than tubular corolla and longer than its tube
L. lamarum	Racemose	Triangular-sagittate or ovate-cordate	Yellowish, slightly shorter than tubular corolla