Sanicula caerulescens Franch.

Li, Hui-min, Zhou, Wei, Zhu, Jun-wen & Song, Chun-feng, 2024, Taxonomic studies on the genus Sanicula (Apiaceae) from China (III): The morphology and distribution of S. caerulescens (Apiaceae), with S. oviformis reduced to a new synonym, PhytoKeys 249, pp. 205-222 : 205-222

Sanicula caerulescens Franch. , Bull. Soc. Philom. Paris 8 (6): 109. 1984.

Figs 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9

= Sanicula dielsiana Wolff , Repert. Sp. Nov. Regni Veg. 8: 524. 1910. Type: China. Chongqing, Nanchuan, Mount Jinfo (= Chin fu shan), 28 July 1891, C. Bock & A. V. Rosthorn 114 (holotype: O-V 2290040!).

= Sanicula stapfiana Wolff in Engler, Pflanzenr. 4 (228): 58. 1913. Type: China. Sichuan, Mount Emei (= Omei), alt. 3000 ft = 915 m, December 1887, E. Faber 887 (holotype: K 000697292 !; isotype: MO 215722 !).

= Sanicula erythrophylla Bobrov , Bot. Mater. Gerb. Bot. Inst. Komarova Akad. Nauk S. S. S. R. 13: 167. 1950. Type: China. Sichuan, Ya’an (= Ya Chou), the valley of Ya River, 4 April 1893, G. N. Potanin s. n. (holotype: LE 01029607 !).

= Sanicula oviformis X. T. Liu & Z. Y. Liu , Acta Phytotax. Sin. 29 (5): 471. 1991, syn. nov. Type: China. Chongqing, Nanchuan, Mount Jinfo, alt. 650 m, 28 June 1983, M. L. Sheh 83646 (holotype: NAS 00082799 !; isotypes: NAS 00028684 !, NAS 00028685 !).

Type.

China. Yunnan, Zhaotong, Shuifu, Chengfeng Shan (= Tchen-fong-chan), May 1882, M. Delavay 456 [lectotype: P 00835131 ! designated by Pimenov (2017); isolectotypes: K 000697287 !, P 00835132 !]. Fig. 1 A–C .

Description.

Perennial. Rhizome, rarely stoloniferous, oblique rootstock, bearing fibrous roots. Stems 2–7, slender and erect, several branches above the middle, 5–40 cm tall. Basal leaves 2–14 (– 23), long petiolate; petioles 2–17 cm long; blade glabrous adaxially and abaxially, usually purplish-red on the back, 1–7 cm long, (2.2 –) 4.5–14 cm wide, cordate-ovate or ovate, sub-ternate to trifoliate, the median segment obovate to ovate-lanceolate, distinctly shallowly trilobed, petiolate, the lateral segments obliquely ovate, shallowly bilobed, the margins irregularly crenulate-serrate with spinose teeth. Cauline leaves significantly reduced, sheathing, subsessile or sessile, with pinnately lobed blades, resembling involucrate bract, ca. 2.0 mm long. Inflorescence pseudo-racemose, sometimes the lower umbels in fascicles, sessile or short-pedunculate; involucrate bract lanceolate to ovate, acuminate, ca. 1.6 mm long; terminal umbels pedunculate, 3 - to 12 - radiate, 2.5–7.0 mm long; involucellate bracteoles 4–6 (– 8), linear to lanceolate, ca. 1 mm long. Umbellules 5–7 - flowered, staminate flowers 4–6 per umbellule, pedicels 2.1–4.0 mm long, petals mainly blue to purple. Fertile flowers 1 per umbellule, sessile; calyx teeth linear to lanceolate, acute, ca. 0.8 mm long; styles ca. 2.0 mm long, recurved. Mericarps globose to ellipsoid, 2.0–3.0 mm long, 1.0– 1.5 mm broad, covered with short and straight spinous bristles usually fused at the base forming a thin tier; mericarp flattened dorsally, orbiculate in cross-section. Vittae 5.

Distribution.

Sanicula caerulescens is widely distributed in China (Chongqing, northern Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, western Hunan, Sichuan and Yunnan) and Vietnam (Hà Giang) (Fig. 10 ).

Habitat.

It grows on mountain slopes under forest or along ravine streams or at forest margins at elevations of 400–1700 m above sea level.

Phenology.

Flowering and fruiting from March to July.

Etymology.

The epithet caerulescens is derived from the Latin term referring to the blue hue of the petals in the flowers.

Additional specimens examined.

China. Chongqing Municipality • Beibei District, 25 March 1934, T. T. Yu 2835 ( NAS, PE) • Beibei District, Jinyun Mountain , 5 July 1956, Anonymous 326 ( SM) • Beibei District, Jinyun Mountain , 5 May 1956, M. L. Li s. n. ( SM) • Beibei District, Jinyun Mountain , 12 July 1983, M. L. Sheh 8367 4 ( NAS) • Beibei District, Jinyun Mountain , alt. 480 m, 29 March 1964, Sichuan Exped. 0060 ( CDBI, PEY) • Beibei District, Jinyun Mountain , alt. 700 m, 12 May 1943, S. J. Wang 1059 ( NAS, PE) • Beibei District, Jinyun Mountain , alt. 740 m, 21 April 1956, Sichuan & Guizhou Exped. 114 ( PE) • Beibei District, Jinyun Mountain , alt. 800 m, 28 March 2013, Z. F. Xu & W. Qin G 0013 ( KUN) • Beibei District, Jinyun Mountain , April 1939, R. H. Shan 1166 ( NAS) • Beibei District, Jinyun Mountain , May 1949, Y. W. Law 286 ( NAS) • Beibei District, Jinyun Mountain , R. H. Shan 1297 ( NAS) • Beibei District, Jinyun Mountain , S. J. Wang 1502 ( PE) • Bishan District, 29 May 1978, Bishan Exped. 0129 ( SM) • Dazu County, Yulong Town , alt. 400 m, 14 June 1978, Dazu Exped. 0240 ( SM) • Fuling District, Lidu District , alt. 900 m, 10 April 1979, Fuling Exped. 0002 ( SM) • Nanchuan County, 1932, T. H. Tu 2848 ( IBK, NAS) • Nanchuan County, 1955, SM Exped. 2785 ( SM) • Nanchuan County, 11 March 1957, S. G. Tang 1722 ( SM) • Nanchuan County, alt. 1300 m, 4 June 1962, Anonymous 95748 ( SM) • Nanchuan County, alt. 500 m, 5 April 1979, Anonymous 0027 ( SM) • Nanchuan County, alt. 820 m, 1 April 1957, C. H. Hsiung & T. L. Chou 90051 ( PE) • Nanchuan County, Bailuping , alt. 840 m, 17 April 1957, K. F. Li 60545 ( KUN, PE) • Nanchuan County, Bailuping , alt. 970 m, 12 April 1957, K. F. Li 60437 ( KUN, PE) • Nanchuan County, Dashi Village , alt. 500–550 m, 7 April 1979, Anonymous 0081 ( SM) • Nanchuan County, Honghegou , alt. 700 m, 1 July 1983, M. L. Sheh 83653 ( NAS) • Nanchuan County, Mount Jinfo , 8 June 1935, S. P. Chang 123 ( NAS) • Nanchuan County, Mount Jinfo , alt. 1200 m, 2 June 1935, K. L. Chu 1053 ( NAS, PE) • Nanchuan County, Mount Jinfo, Daheba , 29°4'42.39"N, 107°12'9.15"E, alt. 666–688 m, 9 May 2021, H. M. Li, Y. S. Zhang & X. Zhang LHM 1139 ( NAS) • Nanchuan County, Mount Jinfo, Daheba , 29°5'46.81"N, 107°12'0.5"E, alt. 704 m, 8 May 2021, H. M. Li, Y. S. Zhang & X. Zhang LHM 1132 ( NAS) • Nanchuan County, Mount Jinfo, Daheba , alt. 650 m, 28 June 1983, M. L. Sheh 83645 ( NAS) • Nanchuan County, Mount Jinfo, Daheba , alt. 690 m, 26 April 1962, Anonymous 95548 ( SM) • Nanchuan County, Mount Jinfo, Daheba , alt. 785 m, 20 March 1957, K. F. Li 60107 ( PE) • Nanchuan County, Mount Jinfo, Daheba , alt. 880 m, April 1932, T. H. Tu 2775 ( IBK, NAS, PE) • Nanchuan County, Mount Jinfo, Daheba , alt. 1000 m, 7 April 1957, K. F. Li 60356 ( KUN, PE) • Nanchuan County, Mount Jinfo, Daheba , alt. 1300 m, 4 June 1962, Anonymous 95748 ( SM) • Nanchuan County, Mount Jinfo, Daheba , alt. 1550 m, 30 June 1957, K. F. Li 62459 ( PE) • Nanchuan County, Nanping Town , alt. 1000 m, 1 July 1957, C. H. Hsiung & B. Q. Li 95026 ( NAS, SM) • Nanchuan County, Sanjianghonghegou , alt. 700 m, 1 July 1983, M. L. Sheh 83654 ( NAS) • Nanchuan County, Sanquan Town , 29°4'47.28"N, 107°12'6.48"E, alt. 661 m, 26 May 2020, W. Zhou & H. M. Li LHM 1016 ( NAS) • Nanchuan County, Sanquan Town , alt. 640 m, 7 March 1996, Z. Y. Liu 15276 (E, HAST, K, KUN, P, PE) • Pengshui County, Lianhe Village , alt. 430 m, 12 May 2000, Anonymous 0133 B ( SM) • Rongchang District, Shuanghe Town , 24 April 1979, Anonymous 619 ( SM) • Shizhu County, Huangshui District , alt. 1400 m, 18 May 1978, W. H. Wang 289 ( CDBI) • Shizhu County, Shiliu Village , 29°44'35.96"N, 108°16'9.2"E, alt. 1219 m, 6 May 2021, H. M. Li., Y. S. Zhang & X. Zhang LHM 1125 ( NAS) • Shizhu County, Xituo Town , alt. 150 m, 5 April 1979, Shizhu Exped. 0040 ( SM) • Wulong County, Furong River , alt. 300 m, 27 April 2008, Z. Y. Liu 182499 ( PE) • Wulong County, Furong River , alt. 350 m, 25 April 2008, Z. Y. Liu 182290 ( PE) • Yongchuan District, Banqiao Town , alt. 350 m, 23 April 1978, Yongchuan Exped. 52 ( SM) • Yongchuan District, Jiulong Village , alt. 500 m, 18 May 1978, Yongchuan Exped. 248 ( SM) . Guangxi Province • Huanjiang County, Mulun National Nature Reserve , 107°58'41.85"N, 25°8'7.43"E, alt. 502 m, 15 May 2013, Huanjiang Exped. 451226130315013 LY ( GXMG, IBK) • Huangjiang County, Mulun National Nature Reserve , alt. 570 m, 16 April 2012, R. C. Peng & L. F. Fu ML 0955 ( IBK) • Huangjiang County, Mulun National Nature Reserve , alt. 670 m, 19 April 2012, Y. S. Huang, Y. B. Liao & M. Q. Han Y 1288 ( IBK) • Huanjiang County, Mulun National Nature Reserve , alt. 750 m, 28 February 2011, W. B. Xu & L. Wu 11095 ( IBK) . Guizhou Province • Chishui City , 29 April 1965, Guizhou Exped. 125 ( HGAS) • Chishui City, Jinshagou , 20 May 2019, L. Liu 201905203 ( GNUG) • Libo County, Maolan Scenic Spot , alt. 340 m, 24 April 2018, T. Jiang 20181675 ( QNUN) • Libo County, Maolan Scenic Spot , alt. 420 m, 23 April 2018, Z. H. Li 201814397 ( QNUN) • Libo County, Maolan Scenic Spot , alt. 459 m, 19 April 2018, F. Li 20185229 ( QNUN) • Libo County, Maolan Scenic Spot , alt. 475 m, 17 April 2018, X. J. Ma 20188141 ( QNUN) • Libo County, Maolan Scenic Spot , alt. 493 m, 20 April 2018, H. T. Long 20185417 ( QNUN) • Libo County, Maolan Scenic Spot , alt. 498 m, 21 April 2018, M. J. He 20185370 ( QNUN) • Libo County, Maolan Scenic Spot , alt. 567 m, 21 April 2018, K. Q. Zhang 20184413 ( QNUN) • Suiyang County, Kuankuoshui , 12 May 2008, S. Q. Zhang S 4073 ( ZY) • Suiyang County, Yinjianggou , 22 May 2014, D. Hu XS 14054478 ( ZY) • Suiyang County, alt. 1050 m, 5 April 1990, K. M. Lan 90–0006 ( GZAC) • Suiyang County, 20 May 1986, Q. S. Xie 201 ( ZY) • Xishui City, Shaguangou , alt. 1055 m, 21 May 2015, Q. Q. Ran SCH 1503252 ( ZY) • Xishui City, Shaguangou , alt. 978 m, 20 May 2015, T. Xu SCH 1503270 ( ZY) • Xishui City, Shaguangou , alt. 987 m, 20 May 2015, Y. L. Peng SCH 1503246 ( ZY) • Xishui City, Shaguangou , 15 May 2012, Q. Li SCH 1202116 ( ZY) • Xishui City, Yinjianggou , alt. 978 m, 19 May 2015, W. Y. Wu SCH 1503057 ( ZY) • Xishui City, Yong’an Town , 106°24'49.23"N, 28°12'16.12"E, alt. 1236.7 m, 29 March 2014, M. C. Wang GYZ 1403290916 ( GYBG) • Zunyi City, Hejiagou , alt. 910 m, 20 May 2014, M. Xie XS 14054040 ( ZY) • Zunyi City, Lengshui River , 5 March 2013, J. H. Liu LSH 031 ( ZY) • Zunyi City, Shanpen District, Dingcun Village , 4 April 1959, N Guizhou Exped. 0022 ( HGAS, IBK) . Hubei Province • Enshi City, Pingbaying National Forest Park , 108°57'46.67"N, 29°22'55.32"E, alt. 1404 m, 21 May 2021, Y. S. Zhang LHM 1120 ( NAS) . Hunan Province • Baojing County, Baiyunshan , 18 July 2009, D. G. Zhang 080308007 ( JIU) • Huayuan County, Gumiao River , alt. 200 m, 16 April 2008, Y. G. Qu 080416062 ( JIU) • Jishou City, Dehang Scenic Spot , 6 June 1993, G. X. Chen 574 ( JIU) • Yongshun County, Qingping Village, Dongba River , 110°11'10.7"N, 29°02'13.7"E, alt. 332 m, 23 March 2015, K. D. Lei 4331271503231562 ( JIU) . Sichuan Province • Anyue County, Kongque Village , alt. 490 m, 10 April 1964, Anonymous 366 ( CDBI) • Anyue County, Shiyang Town , 6 May 1978, Anonymous 1299 ( SM) • Bazhong City, Bazhou District Zaolin Town , alt. 420 m, 14 April 1979, Bazhong Exped. 1004 ( SM) • Dazhou District, Xuanhan County , alt. 850 m, 6 May 1978, Xuanhan Exped. 0167 ( SM) • Dazhu County, Jixing Village , alt. 850 m, 16 May 1978, Dazu Exped. 0125 ( SM) • Dujiangyan City, Lingyan Mountain , 6 June 1959, S. Jiang & C. L. Jin 549 ( KUN) • Dujiangyan City , alt. 700 m, 17 April 1997, D. Z. Lu 199704 ( BJFC) • Ebian Yi autonomous county , 25 May 1959, C. H. Hsiung & B. Q. Li 95026 ( SM) • Emei Shan city , 1939, G. Zhang 1907 ( NAS) • Emei Shan City , 103°17'30.55"N, 29°35'12.17"E, alt. 1344.73 m, 2 June 2024, C. F. Song, H. M. Li & J. W. Zhu LHM 1557 ( NAS) • Emei Shan city, Dacheng Temple Qingyin Pavilion , alt. 900 m, 27 March 1959, Sichuan Econ. Plant Exped. 0209 ( NAS, PE, SM) • Emei Shan City, Ereshan , 10 March 1949, Chow & Hsie 784 ( NAS) • Emei Shan City, Shuangfu Town, Yuelian Village , 18 May 1978, Emei Exped. 122 ( SM) • Emei Shan City , 1 April 1942, W. P. Fang 18263 ( TIE) • Emei Shan City , 27 March 1959, Anonymous 404 ( PE, SM) • Emei Shan City , Sichuan Univ. Biol. Depart. Exped. 53902 ( WUK) • Guang’an City, Jincheng Mountain , alt. 570 m, 29 April 1959, Anonymous 00101 ( SM) • Guangyuan City, Chaotian District, alt. 1750 m, 18 September 1972, NE Yunnan Exped. 769 ( KUN) • Hongya County, Wawu Mountain , 23 July 1950, C. W. Yao 2440 ( NAS, PE) • Jiajiang County, Huatou District, Menkanlin , 11 May 1959, Sichuan Econ. Plant Exped. 8015 ( PE, SM) • Junlian County, Haoba Town, Fujiagou , alt. 1200 m, 10 July 1977, Anonymous 0539 ( SM) • Kaijiang County, Nandinggou , alt. 1050–1100 m, 18 June 1978, Kaijiang Exped. 0248 ( SM) • Lu County, 10 May 1959, Anonymous 5155 ( SM) • Pingchang county , alt. 400 m, 15 June 1978, Pingchang Exped. 384 ( SM) • Qionglai City , alt. 800 m, 6 April 1979, Anonymous 0079 ( SM) • Songpan County, Huaying Mountain Huanglong Temple , 14 March 1941, Y. C. Yong 4090 ( NAS, PE) • Tianquan County, Yongxing District , alt. 910 m, 1 June 1982, D. Y. Peng 45446 ( CDBI) • Xuyong County, Shuiwei Town, Huagaoxi National Nature Reserve , 105°32'8"N, 28°16'36"E, alt. 419 m, 12 March 2013, X. F. Gao, Z. M. Zhu & X. L. Zhao HGX 11087 ( CDBI) • Xuyong County, Shuiwei Town, Huagaoxi National Nature Reserve , alt. 1050–1150 m, 15 April 2012, X. F. Gao, Z. M. Zhu & X. L. Zhao HGX 10084 ( CDBI) • Yibin City, Changning County, Wanling Town , alt. 560 m, 12 June 1977, Anonymous 0044 ( SM) • Zizhong County, Xinqiao Town , alt. 600 m, 28 March 1979, Zizhong Exped. 86 ( SM) . Yunnan Province • de kan-tse-pin , E. E. Maire s. n. ( P) • Long-ki , 1894, M. Delavay 4912 ( P) • Long-ki , 1894, M. Delavay 4934 ( P) • Long-ki , 1894, M. Delavay s. n ( P, US) • Long-ki , 22 March 1894, M. Delavay s. n. ( PE) • Long-ki , May 1894, M. Delavay 4976 ( P) • Zhaotong City, Shuifu County, Chenfengshan , 20 May 1901, F. Ducloux 2130 ( P) • Zhaotong City , Suijiang County, alt. 1307 m, 27 March 2023, C. F. Song, H. M. Li & J. W. Zhu SCF 0097 ( NAS) • Zhaotong City , Suijiang County, alt. 1700 m, 4 July 1973, Anonymous s. n ( HITBC) • Zhaotong City , Yongshan County, alt. 1513 m, 27 March 2023, C. F. Song, H. M. Li & J. W. Zhu SCF 0101 ( NAS) • Zhaotong City , Yongshan County, alt. 1538 m, 27 March 2023, C. F. Song, H. M. Li & J. W. Zhu SCF 0103 ( NAS) .

Vietnam. Hà Giang Province • Quan Ba District, Tung Vai Commune, Thang Village , 104°51'48.8"N, 23°03'13.4"E, alt. 1050–1150 m, 21 April 2018, L. Averyanov et al. VR 546 ( LE) • Quan Ba District, Tung Vai Commune, Thang Village , 104°50'41.6"N, 23°03'41.5"E, alt. 1200–1400 m, 22 April 2018, L. Averyanov et al. VR 629 ( LE) .

Note.

Sanicula caerulescens has been recorded in Chongqing, Guizhou, western Hunan, Sichuan and north-eastern Yunnan in China, as well as Hà Giang in Vietnam ( Diels 1901; Boissieu 1906; Wolff 1913; Shan and Constance 1951; Hiroe 1979; Liou 1979; Wu 1984; Yang 1989; Liu 1997; Sheh and Phillippe 2005; Sun 2010). Pimenov (2017) also noted its presence in Hubei Province, although no specific specimens were cited. During our fieldwork in 2021, we were delighted to discover a population [Y. S. Zhang LHM 1120 ( NAS)] in Enshi, Hubei. Furthermore, a critical examination of specimens under Sanicula L. confirmed that S. caerulescens is also distributed in northern Guangxi, as well as in all adjacent regions. Therefore, we clarify that the distribution of S. caerulescens extends across China (Chongqing, northern Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, western Hunan, Sichuan and Yunnan) and Vietnam (Hà Giang).

Figures

Figure 1. Lectotype (A) and isolectotype (B, C) sheets of Sanicula caerulescens, alongside the holotype (D) sheet of S. dielsiana.

Figure 3. Holotype (A) sheet of Sanicula stapfiana, holotype (B) sheet of S. erythrophylla and holotype (C) and isotype (D) sheets of S. oviformis.

Figure 4. Sanicula caerulescens in the wild (China, Yunnan, Zhaotong, the type locality of S. caerulescens) A habitat B habit C leaf (left: adaxial surface; right: abaxial surface) D portion of inflorescence (side view) E portion of inflorescence (top view) F portion of inflorescence, with the arrow indicating upper reduced and sheathing cauline leaves; G umbellule (side view; a involucellate bracteoles, b calyx teeth) H staminate flowers (side view) I fertile flower with fruit, stamens, petals and calyx teeth J mericarps. Photographed by Hui-Min Li.

Figure 5. Sanicula caerulescens in the wild (China, Chongqing, Nanchuan, Mount Jinfo, the type locality of S. dielsiana and S. oviformis) A habitat B habit C leaf (left: adaxial surface; right: abaxial surface) D portion of inflorescence (side view) E portion of inflorescence (top view) F portion of inflorescence, with the arrow indicating upper reduced and sheathing cauline leaves G umbellule (side view; a involucellate bracteoles, b calyx teeth) H staminate flowers (side view) I fertile flower with fruit, stamens, style, petals and calyx teeth J mericarps. Photographed by Hui-Min Li.

Figure 6. Sanicula caerulescens in the wild (China, Chongqing, Shizhu) A habitat B habit C leaf (left: adaxial surface; right: abaxial surface) D portion of inflorescence (side view), with the arrow indicating upper reduced and sheathing cauline leaves E portion of inflorescence (top view) F umbellule (side view; a involucellate bracteoles, b calyx teeth) G fertile flower with fruit, style and calyx teeth. Photographed by Hui-Min Li.

Figure 7. Specimens of Sanicula caerulescens collected from Chongqing, Nanchuan. All misidentified as S. lamelligera by Z. Y. Liu, a co-author of S. oviformis A Z. Y. Liu 15276 (E) B Z. Y. Liu 15276 (K) C Z. Y. Liu 15276 (KUN) D Z. Y. Liu 15276 (PE; the arrow indicating the spinous fruit).

Figure 8. Specimens of Sanicula caerulescens collected from Chongqing, Wulong A Z. Y. Liu 182290 (PE) B Z. Y. Liu 182499 (PE). All arrows indicating the spinous fruits.

Figure 9. Sanicula caerulescens in wild (China, Emei Shan, the type locality of S. stapfiana) A habitat B habit C leaf (left: adaxial surface; right: abaxial surface) D portion of inflorescence (side view), with the arrow indicating upper reduced and sheathing cauline leaves E portion of inflorescence (top view) F umbellule (side view; a involucellate bracteoles, b calyx teeth) G staminate flowers (side view) H fertile flower with fruit, style and calyx teeth I mericarps. Photographed by Hui-Min Li.

Figure 10. Distribution of Sanicula caerulescens (black circle).