Five new synonyms for Impatiens procumbens (Balsaminaceae) in China

Abstract

In the revision on the genus Impatiens L. in China, we found that there were synonyms amongst some species. Impatiens procumbens Franch. morphologically resembled I. reptans Hook.f., I. crassiloba Hook.f., I. ganpiuana Hook.f., I. atherosepala Hook.f. and I. rhombifolia Y.Q.Lu & Y.L.Chen. After a thorough morphological study, based on original literature, type specimens and field surveys, it was found that the above six species of Impatiens had no substantial differences in morphological characters and there was continuity in geographical distribution. Therefore, we determined that I. reptans, I. crassiloba, I. ganpiuana, I. atherosepala and I. rhombifolia are the synonyms of I. procumbens. At the same time, we present the color photographs, supplementary descriptions of morphology, and geographical distribution. The lectotype of I. procumbens and I. reptans are also designated here.