Taxonomic studies on the genus Sanicula (Apiaceae) from China (IV): Clarification of morphology and distribution of S. rugulosa and S. subgiraldii, with reduction of S. astrantiifolia to a synonym of the former Author Li, Hui-Min 0000-0001-6660-7620 Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China Author Zhu, Jun-Wen https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5554-445X Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China Author Ma, Xu-Dong https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6303-0006 Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China Author Yi, Si-Rong 0000-0002-3883-6175 Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, 404120, Wanzhou, Chongqing, China Author Song, Chun-Feng 0000-0003-2077-0486 Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen), Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China text PhytoKeys 2025 2025-09-12 262 223 244 journal article 312255 10.3897/phytokeys.262.165363 618b01cd-58ee-4ff5-901c-db80f4d005be Sanicula rugulosa Diels , Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 29 (3–4): 491 (1900). Figs 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 = Sanicula astrantiifolia H. Wolff ex Kretschmer , Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 27: 308 (1930) , syn. nov. Type: CHINA . Yunnan , Qujing , Huize (historically referred to as Tong-tschuan or Dongchuan), alt. 2600 m , E. E. Maire s. n. [ lectotype : P 03226727 ! designated by Pimenov (2017) ] . = Sanicula hanyuanensis B. N. Song, C. K. Liu & X. J. He , Frontiers Pl. Sci. (Online journal) 15–1351023: 13 (2024), syn. nov. Type: CHINA . Sichuan , Hanyuan , under the mixed forest or roadsides ; 29°22'1.33"N , 102°56'10.4"E ; alt. 2092 m , 7 July 2022 , B. N. Song & C. K. Liu SBN 2022073001 ( holotype : SZ !) . Type. China • Chongqing , Nanchuan , Mount Jinfo , Meitancao (= Meit’an ts’ao), 4 September 1891 , C. Bock & A. von Rosthorn 898 ( holotype : O-V 2014802 !). Fig. 1 A Description. Perennial. Rhizome, short and stout, roots fascicled, fleshy, somewhat fibrous. Stems erect, branched above, 7–52 (– 90) cm tall. Basal leaves 2–8, long petiolate; petioles 5–20 cm long; blade glabrous adaxially and abaxially, occasionally purplish-red on the back, 2–5 cm long, 4–8 cm wide, palmately 3 - parted to nearly 3 / 4–9 / 10 of the way to the base; abaxially pale green, occasionally purplish-red; crenate, serrate or irregularly doubly spinose-serrate; central segment broadly obovate, distally shallowly 3 - lobed, base cuneate, apex obtuse-rounded; lateral segments oblique-reniform, rhombic-rounded or ovate-lanceolate, often 2 - lobed. Cauline leaves reniform-rounded, 3 - parted nearly 4 / 5 of the way to the base, segments obovate to ovate-lanceolate. Inflorescence 2–3 - dichotomously branched; involucrate bract 1–3, 3 deeply lobed or lanceolate, acuminate; terminal umbels around 3 radiate, rays 0.2–2.5 cm long; involucellate bracteoles 7–10, lanceolate to lanceolate ovate, ca. 1–2 mm long. Umbellules 5–7 - flowered, staminate flowers 2–3 per umbellule, pedicels around 1 mm long, petals mainly white to purple blue, reduced stylopodium whitish or pale green. Fertile flowers usually 3 per umbellule, sessile or short-pedicellate; calyx teeth narrowly lanceolate, acute, ca. 1 mm long; styles ca. 1.5 mm long, recurved, stylopodium whitish or pale green. Mericarps obovate, subglobose or ellipsoid, 1.5–2.2 mm long, 2–2.4 mm wide, densely covered with uncinate bristles when mature, bristles yellow or purple-reddish. Vittae obscure. Distribution. Sanicula rugulosa is widely distributed in China ( Chongqing , Guizhou , Sichuan , Xizang and Yunnan ) (Fig. 10 ). The distribution of Sanicula rugulosa (black circle). Habitat. The species grows on mountain slopes under forest or along ravine streams near rocks or at forest margins at elevations of 1400–3400 m above sea level. Phenology. Flowering from later May to July, fruiting from June to September. Etymology. The epithet rugulosa is derived from the Latin term referring to the abaxial leaves sub-rugulose to rugulose. Additional specimens examined. China • Chongqing Municipality , Nanchuan County , 11 June 1935 , H. Y. Ho 4615 ( NAS ) ; Nanchuan County , 30 June 1935 , Anonymous 5268 ( NAS ) ; Nanchuan County , Mount Jinfo , 29°6'27.0019"N , 107°12'13.60"E , alt. 2086 m , 19 June 2025 , S. R. Yi LHM 3005 ( NAS ). • Guizhou Province , Pan County , Huopu town , 25°39'18.1"N , 104°23'28.8"E , alt. 2026.8 m , 10 November 2015 , P. Z. Zhai 520222151110005 LY ( GZTM ) . • Sichuan Province , Butuo County , alt. 2410 m , 24 August 1959 , Sichuan Econ. Plant Exped. 5823 ( KUN , PE , SM ) ; Ebian Yi Autonomous County , Laoyingzui , alt. 2100 m , 13 July 1930 , W. P. Fang 7349 ( NAS ) ; Ebian Yi Autonomous County , Xinchang Township , alt. 1400 m , 25 June 1979 , Ebian Exped. 338 ( SM ) ; Ganluo County , Puchang Town , Anonymous 715 ( SM ) ; Hanyuan County , Malie Township , alt. 1700 m , 24 May 1978 , Hanyuan Exped. 0234 ( SM ) ; Hanyuan County , Malie Township , alt. 2200 m , 11 June 1978 , Hanyuan Exped. 0279 ( SM ) ; • Hanyuan County , Malie Township , Jianzhuping , 29°22'20.856"N , 102°49'56.28"E , alt. 2316.32 m , 3 June 2024 , J. W. Zhu , H. M. Li & C. F. Song 1547 ( NAS ) ; Hanyuan County , Wanli Township , alt. 1300 m , 12 September 1978 , Hanyuan Exped. 0983 ( SM ) ; Hanyuan County , Yongli Township , 1972, Yajiang Exped. 72–76 ( SM ) ; Huidong County , alt. 1800 m , 29 May 1978 , Huidong Exped. 0019 ( SM ) ; Huidong County , Tangtang Town , alt. 2500 m , 30 May 1976 , Anonymous 76206 ( NAS ) ; Huili County , Taiping Town , 25 June 1978 , Anonymous 53 ( SM ) ; Jiulong County , alt. 2000 m , 3 July 1979 , Anonymous 121 ( SM ) ; Jiulong County , Wulaxi Township , alt. 2200 m , 18 June 1974 , Q. Q. Wang 4572 ( CDBI , NAS ) ; Luding County , Xinxing Township , alt. 2250 m , 13 June 1983 , Sichuan Plant Exped. 31115 ( CDBI ) ; Meigu County , Shangang Village , alt. 1900 m , 26 June 1979 , Meigu Exped. 0294 ( SM ) ; Mianning County , Senrong Town , alt. 1800 m , 19 July 1979 , Mianning Exped. 858 ( SM ) ; Miyi County , Baipo Mountain , alt. 2500 m , 10 July 1983 , Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Exped. 11916 ( KUN ) ; Miyi County , Malong Township , alt. 2500 m , 1 August 1958 , S. Y. Chen , Z. He , M. F. Zhong 11061 ( NAS ) ; Miyi County , Puwei Town , 23 June 1958 , S. Y. Chen , Z. He , M. F. Zhong 10376 ( NAS ) ; Muli County , Southern slope of Kangwuliangzi , alt. 2500 m , 14 October 1982 , F. T. Pu & K. Yao 117 ( NAS ) ; Muli County , Tangkur Town , alt. 2600 m , 24 July 1978 , Muli Exped. 0515 ( SM ) ; Ningnan County , Luoge Township , alt. 2080 m , 14 June 1978 , Ningnan Exped. 0158 ( SM ) ; Puge County , alt. 2500 m , 8 August 1979 , Puge Exped. 516 ( SM ) ; Xichang City , 1 August 1958 , Anonymous 19011 ( SM ) ; Xide County , Mishi Town , alt. 2100 m , 27 July 1979 , Anonymous 626 ( SM ) ; Xide County , Zeyue Village , 14 June 1979 , Anonymous 413 ( SM ) ; Yanbian County , Guosheng Town , Anonymous 0222 ( SM ) ; Yuexi County , 1960, Sichuan Pharma. Exped. 26601 ( NAS ) ; Zhaojue County , Bi’er Town , alt. 2470 m , 19 June 1979 , Zhaojue Exped. 605 ( SM ) ; Zhaojue County , E’er Town , alt. 1990 m , 2 June 1979 , Zhaojue Exped. 0452 ( SM ) ; Zhaojue County , Wupo Township , alt. 2100 m , 29 June 1976 , Sichuan Plant Exped. 12749 ( CDBI , NAS ) ; 1960, Sichuan Pharma. Exped. 27871 ( NAS ) . • Xizang Province , Bomê County , alt. 2700 m , 29 June 1973 , Tibet Exped. 770 ( HNWP ) ; Bomê County , Gu Township , 29°55'N , 95°30'E , alt. 3080 m , 19 June 1965 , J. S. Ying & D. Y. Hong 650295 ( PE ) ; Bomê County , Zhamo Town , alt. 2800 m , 13 July 1965 , Y. T. Chang & K. Y. Lang 597 ( PE ) ; Mainling County , Hongwei Forest Farm , alt. 3200–3300 m , 29 July 1975 , Tibet Exped. 750998 ( HNWP , KUN ) ; Nyingchi City , nearby Northern Yarlung Zangbo River Valley , alt. 3100 m , 30 May 1973 , Tibet Exped. 141 ( HNWP ) . • Yunnan Province , Anning City , Bijia Mountain , alt. 2100 m , 15 July 1965 , C. Y. Wu 292 ( KUN , WUK ) ; Binchuan County , alt. 2800 m , 20 July 1933 , H. T. Tsai 53699 ( KUN , NAS , PE ) ; Binchuan County , Mount Jizu , 10 August 1920 , Anonymous 789 ( PEY ) ; Binchuan County , Mount Jizu , Jinding Temple , alt. 2700 m , 9 September 1984 , Z. H. Pan et al. 84–33 ( NAS ) ; Binchuan County , Mount Jizu , nearby Zhusheng Temple , alt. 2300 m , 10 September 1984 , Z. H. Pan et al. 84–50 ( NAS ) ; Dali City , Eastern slope of Cangshan Mountain , 22 June 1929 , Ching 22992 ( KUN , PE ) ; Dêqên County , Huan-fu-ping , alt. 3000 m , September 1935 , C. W. Wang 69305 ( LBG , NAS , PE , WUK ) ; Dêqên County , Huan-fu-ping , 27 September 1959 , K. M. Feng 23736 ( KUN ) ; Heqing County , Lianping , Nanqingtou , 8 August 1929 , Ching 23581 ( PE ) ; Heqing County , Lianping , Zhaobi Mountain , alt. 2800 m , 4 August 1929 , Ching 24074 ( KUN , PE ) ; Heqing County , San tchang kiou , alt. 2500 m , 6 August 1885 , M. Delavay 2030 ( K , NY , P ) ; Heqing County , Swallow Cave , Ma’er Mountain , alt. 2800 m , 31 July 1963 , NW Yunnan Jinsha River Exped. 4744 ( PE ) ; Heqing County , 1906, F. Ducloux 4245 ( P ) ; Huize County , O. Schoch 217 ( K , US ) ; Huize County , Tianba Village , alt. 2300 m , 5 September 1986 , Z. H. Pan et al. 86005 ( CDBI , NAS ) ; Huize County , Tianba Township , Fendou Village , 25°56'31.74"N , 103°30'41.62"E , alt. 2292 m , 16 June 2025 , H. M. Li & J. W. Zhu 3002 ( NAS ) ; Huize County , Tianba Township , Hongyan Village , 25°53'0.50"N , 103°26'26.21"E , alt. 2078 m , 16 June 2025 , H. M. Li & J. W. Zhu 3003 ( NAS ) ; Kunming City , 6 July 1938 , F. N. 10685 ( PEY ) ; Kunming City , Dongchuan District , Yinmin Town , alt. 2290 m , 20 June 1985 , S. B. Lan 433 ( PE ) ; Kunming City , Xishan District , Tuanjie Township , alt. 2017 m , 25°05'08.30"N , 102°27'42.74"E , 17 June 2025 , H. M. Li & J. W. Zhu 3004 ( NAS ) ; Lijiang City , alt. 3048 m , July 1914 , G. Forrest 12701 ( E ) ; Lijiang City , Wenbi Mountain , alt. 2600 m , 9 August 1962 , Shangri-La Exped. 647 ( PE ) ; Lijiang City , Wenfeng Temple , alt. 2800 m , 11 July 1935 , C. W. Wang 71399 ( KUN , PE , WUK ) ; Lijiang City , 26 October 1939 , Ching 21949 ( KUN , PE ) ; Lijiang City , western slope of Lijiang Alpine Botanic Garden , 26°59'58"N , 100°11'39"E , alt. 2798.8 m , 3 September 2024 , X. D. Ma 310 ( NAS ) ; Shangri-La City , Haba Snow Mountain , upper Longwangbian , alt. 2700 m , 2 September 1962 , Shangri-La Exped. 1864 ( PE ) ; Shangri-La City , Haba Snow Mountain , Haba Village , 27°22'48"N , 100°08'03"E , alt. 2731.49 m , 4 September 2024 , X. D. Ma 315 ( NAS ) ; Shangri-La City, road to Haba Shan , Sanba , 27°30'51"N , 100°02'05"E , alt. 2724 m , 15 June 1994 , ACE 266 ( E , K ) ; Shangri-La City , T. Zhang et al. 11 CS 3313 ( KUN ) ; Shilin County , Guishan , 24°38'56.00"N , 103°35'51.2"E , alt. 2250 m , 29 October 2006 , Y. M. Shui et al. 65492 ( KUN ) ; Songming County , Guodong Village , B. Y. Qiu 54954 ( KUN , PE ) ; Songming County , in the vicinity of Longtan , 25°28'N , 102°46'E , alt. 2100 m , 27 July 1984 , 1984 Sino-Amer. Bot. Exped. 1317 ( US ) ; Weishan County , Weibaoshan , 1933, Y. Tsiang 11965 ( KUN , NAS , PE ) ; Weixi County , Kangpu , alt. 1932 m , July 1935 , C. W. Wang 64134 ( KUN , NAS , PE ) ; Weixi County , Pantiange , Anonymous 61–0130 ( NAS ) ; Weixi County , Yeh-Chih , alt. 3400 m , August 1935 , C. W. Wang 68296 ( NAS , PE ) ; Xundian County , Hai-Chia , alt. 2700 m , 16 November 1940 , Y. P. Chang 0963 ( PE ) ; Zhaotong City , Qiaojia , Da Village , Jibaka , 27°12'35.58"N , 103°06'40.26"E , alt. 2887 m , 25 June 2012 , Z. X. Ren , W. Jiang , M. Y. Zhang WH – 2012–0456 ( KUN ) ; Zhaotong City , Qiaojia , Dakua Mountain , 25°11'53.6"N , 103°07'24.1"E , alt. 2794 m , 23 August 2007 , Z. X. Ren , L. N. Dong , P. H. Huang SCSB-W – 291 ( KUN ) ; Zhaotong City , Qiaojia , Zhongchang , 27°01'51.77"N , 103°00'06.64"E , alt. 2730 m , 22 August 2007 , S. D. Zhang et al. SCSB-W – 327 ( KUN ) ; Anonymous 12053 ( PEY ) ; Chen 811 ( NAS ) ; E. E. Maire 508 ( E ) ; E. E. Maire 1253 ( E ) ; R. N. 10685 ( PEY ) ; H. T. Tsai 57553 ( KUN , PE ) ; 20 July 1903 , F. Ducloux 2237 ( P ) ; 1938, W. K. Hsia 57553 ( PE ) ; 25 July 1968 , F. Ducloux 5939 ( P ) ; 17 June 1973 , B. X. Sun et al. 687 ( KUN ) ; 9 August 1979 , Anonymous 610129 ( NAS ) . Notes. 1) Sanicula astrantiifolia was described on the basis of three collections, namely E. E. Maire s. n. , S. Ten 287 and O. Schoch 217. We have traced one specimen of the first collection at P (Fig. 1 B ) and two specimens of the last collection at K and US (Fig. 1 C, D ). All these specimens match the protologue well and are syntypes as Wolff (1930) did not designate a type for S. astrantiifolia ( McNeill 2014 ) . According to ICN Art. 9.17 ( Turland et al. 2018 ), Pimenov (2017) designated the P sheet as lectotype of this species; here we accept his treatment. 2) Sheh and Phillippe (2005) categorized Sanicula potaninii Bobrov as a synonym of S. astrantiifolia without providing sufficient rationale. Subsequently, Pimenov (2017) also classified S. potaninii as a synonym of S. serrata H. Wolff. However , our examination of living specimens and critical herbarium collections indicate that S. potaninii can be distinctly differentiated from S. astrantiifolia and S. serrata based on its habit and leaf morphology. Furthermore, S. potaninii shows a close affinity with S. serrata var. uncinata Shan & Constance , particularly in inflorescence and leaf characteristics. A thorough discussion regarding the taxonomic status of S. potaninii will be addressed in a separate analysis.