Taxonomic revision of the genus Pedicularis (Orobanchaceae) in China: P. brevilabris treated as a synonym of P. sima

This study re-evaluated the taxonomic status of Pedicularis brevilabris and P. sima through a morphological comparison, type specimen examination, and literature review. The results revealed that all morphological characteristics of P. brevilabris, including the floral structure, corolla morphology, and calyx, fall within the range of phenotypic variation of P. sima. Additionally, the type localities of the two taxa are geographically adjacent, with overlapping habitats. In accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, P. brevilabris is herein treated as a synonym of P. sima. This research provides fundamental data for the taxonomic revision of the genus Pedicularis.