Physospermopsis obtusiuscula (DC.) C. Norman

This is a widespread species with complex morphological variation. Distinction between this species and Physospermopsis shaniana is not always straightforward.

Plants 15–45 cm, sometimes flushed red. Root short, thickened. Stem dark purple-green, simple, occasionally branched at base. Leaves petiolate; petioles 3–4 cm, sheaths small; blade ovate in outline, 4–5 cm, 2-pinnate; pinnae ovate, ca. 1.5 cm, margin pinnatifid; ultimate segments narrowly elliptic, 2–3 × 1–2 mm. Primary umbels 5–18 cm across; peduncles 9–18 cm; bracts 4–6, leaf-like, 2-pinnate; rays purple, 14–17, 2.5–14 cm, unequal, becoming erect in fruit; bracteoles 3–4, broadly obovate, slightly longer than flowers, 6–9-toothed at apex; umbellules 7–12-flowered. Calyx teeth minute. Fruit ovoid to broadly ovoid, 2.5–3.2 × 1.5–1.8 mm; ribs narrowly winged, sinuolate; vittae 2 in each furrow, 4 on commissure. Seed face plane. Fl. and fr. Aug–Sep.

E. Himalaya (Nepal to Bhutan), Assam, Tibet.

Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan [Bhutan, NE India, Nepal, Sikkim].

3000-4600 m

Forests, grasslands; 3900–4300 m.