滇西前胡 dian xi qian hu

Sinodielsia delavayi (Franchet) Pimenov & Kljuykov.

Plants 20–50 cm. Stems several, erect, grayish-purple, distally fluted, puberulent; caudex stout, densely clothed with fibrous remnant sheaths. Basal leaves numerous; leaf blade ovate-oblong, 2-pinnate, pinnae 3–4 pairs; basal pinnae shortly petiolulate, others sessile; ultimate segments ovate to linear, 6–10 × 3–6 mm, 1–3-toothed, apex mucronate, pubescent abaxially on rachises and veins. Cauline leaves reduced upwards; petioles wholly sheathing. Umbels terminal, 6–10 cm across; peduncles densely hispid; bracts 3–4, linear, lanceolate or pinnate; rays 6–15(–24), subequal, 2–5 cm, hirsute; bracteoles 4–7, longer than flowers, pinnate; ultimate segments linear-lanceolate, hirsute. Calyx teeth absent. Petals white, obovate. Styles short. Fruit ellipsoid, ca. 4 × 2.5 mm; lateral ribs narrowly winged, wings slightly thickened; vittae (1–)2–3 in each furrow, 4–6 on commissure. Fl. Jul–Aug, fr. Aug–Sep.

Mountain slopes, grasslands, rock crevices; 2600–3400 m. NW Yunnan (Eryuan, Lijiang).

This poorly known species is recorded only from a few collections. Its taxonomic placement is not fully resolved, and some authors consider it to be synonymous with Sinodielsia yunnanensis (Meeboldia yunnanensis in the present account).