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.

In the present study, we examined the morphological variations within Saniculacaerulescens and determined the identity of S.oviformis through observations of herbarium specimens (including type material) and field studies of plants in their type locality. Our findings revealed that S.oviformis, originally described from Nanchuan County in southern Chongqing, is conspecific with S.caerulescens. This species is mainly distributed in Chongqing, Guizhou, western Hunan, Sichuan and north-eastern Yunnan in China, as well as in Hà Giang in Vietnam. Key morphological characters of leaves, inflorescences and fruits confirm this synonymy. Based on these findings, we propose reducing S.oviformis to a synonym of S.caerulescens. Additionally, the geographical distribution of S.caerulescens is clarified.