Identification of Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Van. and seven closely related species based on morphology and volatile composition

In this study,Artemisia argyiLévl. et Van. and seven closely related species were comparatively analyzed in terms of morphology and volatile components using visual identification and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were employed for systematic evaluation. Results revealed significant differences in the morphology ofA. argyiand its related species, including tall plants, strong aroma, thick and flexible leaves, and longitudinally grooved stems covered in gray hairs. In total, 28 common components and 28 characteristic components were identified from the volatile components, and 17 differential metabolites were identified by PCA. Cluster analysis effectively distinguished the differentArtemisiaspecies. The results of this study provide a valuable reference for the identification ofA. argyiand its related species.