Notes on the taxonomic identity of Asystasia nemorum (Russel ex Wall.) Nees from India

The taxonomic status of Asystasia nemorum (Russel ex Wall.) Nees has been critically evaluated in the present study. The taxon is ambiguously considered in various floras and herbaria, demanding a thorough revisionary approach. The nomenclature of the taxon since 1826 has been over-checked. A. nemorum has been wrongly interpreted as A. intrusa, A. hispida, A. salicifolia and A. australasica as observed in various herbaria. Meanwhile A. blumei, Isochoriste javanica and Ruellia clavata has been mentioned as the heterotypic synonym of this taxon as per IPNI. A thorough analysis of the various voucher specimens has been done along with descriptions in the literature which shows that A. nemorum stands distinct. The erroneous interpretation done for the taxon from time to time has been justified.