Notes on the existence of Swertia dilatata C. B. Clarke (Gentianaceae): An Exomorphological Analysis

Swertia dilatata C. B. Clarke is closely related to S. paniculata Wall. in respect with habit, inflorescence, flowers and capsules. Regional Floras viz., Flora of China and Flora of Bhutan merged S. dilatata under S. paniculata due to overlapping exomorphological characters, which in turn followed in regional herbaria in India, Bhutan and China. Recent taxonomists are also accepting S. dilatata as a synonym under S. paniculata. This work authenticates C. B. Clarke’s species, S. dilatata as a separate valid species, should not merge with Wallichian species, S. paniculata based on field cum herbarium-based exomorphological studies.