Notes on the genus Aconitum L. (Ranunculaceae) in North-West Himalaya (India)

Abstract

Aconitum (Ranunculaceae) in North-West Himalaya is represented by ten species and two varieties. Although most species of Aconitum exhibit remarkable morphological variations, no infraspecifc taxa have been recognized (except under A. heterophyllum) as these variation are observed to be continuous. A. heterophyllum and A. violaceum are shown to be morphologically highly diverse. Genetic diversity in this group is least studied. The taxonomic treatment of the genus includes a key to all species, correct nomenclature, distribution and usefull taxonomic notes, where possible. In the present study A. ovatum and A. cordatum have been shifted back under A. heterophyllum. A. kashmiricum is also treated here as a morphological variant of A. heterophyllum. A. balfourii var. rhombilobum, A. falconri var. latilobum, A. heterophyllum subsp. parciflorum, A. laeve var. curvipilosum, A. violaceum var. robustum and A. violaceum var. weilerii have been reduced as synonyms under their typical varieties. A. falconeri has been reported for the first time from Kumaon Himalaya. A. heterophyllum var. roylei var. nova is described here as a new variety. Lectotypification has also been done for a few species. Discussing the current status of the species, it is said that owing to the medicinal virtues, most species of the genus have become critically endangered in their type localities. Both - in situ and ex situ - efforts are recommended to conserve the genetic diversity in these species.