Does <i>Blumea bovei</i> ( <scp>DC</scp> ) Vatke. Occurs in India?

ABSTRACT Blumea bovei (DC.) Vatke, an African–Middle Eastern species and B. obliqua (L.) Druce, an endemic to India and Sri Lanka, are closely allied species from the section Dissitaeflorae DC. Investigation of preserved and live specimens revealed that the Blumea obliqua is highly variable and erroneously identified and reported as B. bovei from India. The present study provides notes on misidentified specimens, distinguishing characters, complete description, taxonomic key to the Indian and African species of the Sect. Dissitiflorae DC. along with photographs and distribution map to facilitate distinct identity and geographic distribution of both taxa.