Taxonomic studies on Sanicula L. (Apiaceae) from China (V): Revision of the Sanicula serrata H. Wolff complex: morphological delimitation from S. potaninii Bobrov, synonymization of allied taxa, and lectotypifications

Based on observations of living plants in the field and examination of herbarium specimens (including type materials), we demonstrate that Sanicula serrata var. serrata (Apiaceae) differs from <i>S. potaninii</i> by having single fruit bearing squamose spines - occasionally tuberculate-spiculate or apically prickly - whereas <i>S. potaninii</i> usually bears three fruits with densely uncinate spines. This morphological distinction is further supported by differences in their biogeographic distributions. In addition, <i>S. tienmuensis</i>, <i>S. elongata</i>, S. tienmuensis var. pauciflora, and <i>S. langaoensis</i> are found to be conspecific with <i>S. serrata</i>, while S. serrata var. uncinata is conspecific with <i>S. potaninii</i>; we therefore reduce these taxa to synonymy accordingly. Lectotypifications are proposed for <i>S. elongata</i> and S. tienmuensis var. pauciflora.