Odontostemma balfourianum (W.W.Sm.) Satish Chandra & D.S.Rawat and Stellaria depauperata Edgew., two new records of Caryophyllaceae for Nepal

Abstract

Stellaria depauperata has been found in Nepal, according to earlier investigations. However, upon closer examination, the specimens of S. depauperata that were collected from Nepal and deposited at various herbaria revealed that they belonged to Odontostemma balfourianum or another Stellaria species. Nevertheless, a small number of mislabeled Stellaria specimens upon careful examination turned out to be S. depauperata. Therefore, this study revealed the presence of O. balfourianum, and S. depauperata in Nepal. The taxonomic treatment, habitat, distribution, and images, have all been provided for both species. Odontostemma balfourianum can be easily distinguished from S. depauperata in having longer stem, petalous, and chasmogamous flowers.