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 <i>Saniculacaerulescens</i> and determined the identity of <i>S.oviformis</i> through observations of herbarium specimens (including type material) and field studies of plants in their type locality. Our findings revealed that <i>S.oviformis</i>, originally described from Nanchuan County in southern Chongqing, is conspecific with <i>S.caerulescens</i>. 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 <i>S.oviformis</i> to a synonym of <i>S.caerulescens</i>. Additionally, the geographical distribution of <i>S.caerulescens</i> is clarified.