Indian species

Nampy, Santhosh, Shahina, P. M., Haseena, T. & Ashwini, H. S., 2015, A taxonomic revision of Swertia L. (Gentianaceae) in South India, with one new species and seven lectotypifications, Phytotaxa 195 (1), pp. 31-52 : 33

Key to the south Indian species of Swertia

1. Nectariferous glands 1 per corolla lobe, fimbriate............................................................................................................................2

- Nectariferous glands 2 per corolla lobe, glabrous............................................................................................................. 5. S. minor

2. Nectariferous glands with fimbriae only at margins..........................................................................................................................3

- Nectariferous glands with fimbriae covering them, not present at margins.......................................................................................5

3. Calyx lobes ovate, with a hairy ring at the base; nectariferous glands with short (0.3–0.5 mm) marginal fimbriae .......................... ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 2. S. beddomei

- Calyx lobes lanceolate, without hairy ring at the base; nectariferous glands with long (1–2.5 mm) marginal fimbriae..................4

4. Cymes corymbose; petals sometimes reflexed; fimbriae of the nectariferous glands 2–2.5 mm long ..................... 3. S. corymbosa

- Cymes umbellate; petals never reflexed; fimbriae of the nectariferous glands 1–1.8 mm long ............................... 7. S. trichotoma

5. Leaf blades ovate-lanceolate or linear-lanceolate or deltoid; bracts linear-lanceolate.......................................................................6

- Leaf blades cordate-orbicular; bracts ovate-elliptic .................................................................................................. 6. S. raveendrae

6. Cymes corymbose; glands watch-pocket-shaped with white or purple fimbriae inserted on a green scaly base ............... 4. S. lawii

- Cymes paniculate; glands watch-pocket-shaped with white fimbriae inserted on a black scaly base..................... 1. S. angustifolia