YASIN J. NASIR

Closely resembling R. leiocarpa in form and habit, but distinguished by the turberculate nutlets.

Fl. Per.: June.

Type: URSS: Turcomania, Kisil-Arwat, Becker (LE).

Distribution: Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ladak, Soviet C. Asia.

The specimens marked (*) are tentatively placed her. In habit they agree with Rochelia bungei and Rochelia leiocarpa, but the fruiting pedicel is shorter than or equalling the calyx, as in Rochelia disperma. The specimen R.R. Stewart 26339 (BM) has nutlets that are tuberculate, but the same gathering at RAW has nutlets that are smooth, like those in Rochelia leiocarpa. Mixed gatherings of Rochelia bungei and Rochelia leiocarpa have been observed as noted in the citation above (Bowes Lyon s.n. RAW) and it is possible that the these taxa and possibly Rochelia disperma may hybridize in nature. M. Popov (i.e. 558 & 557, in nota) records similar views for Rochelia retorta (Pall.) Lipsky, Rochelia leiocarpa and Rochelia bungei. He was of the opinion that Rochelia bungei might even be a hybrid between the other two species. Found in stony or gravelly places from 3500-4500 m.