Flora of Bhutan Umbelliferae:

Tordyliopsis DC. Mark F. Watson

Slender, erect perennial herbs similar to Heracleum, forming small clumps; stems simple or sparsely branched, clothed in fibrous leaf remains at base, from a short stout branched rootstock. Leaves pinnate, oblong in outline; petioles slender, narrowly sheathing at base (broader in upper leaves). Umbels compond; rays and pedicels short, enveloped by the numerous, large lanceolate-ovate bracts and bracteoles. Calyx teeth linear, unequal. Petals dimorphic as in Heracleum. Stylopodium domed, styles long. Fruit very similar to Heracleum, sparsely hairy when young, smooth at maturity; 4 unequal vittae on the outer face extend more than half way down the fruit, 0–4 vittae on inner face, often abbortive; strengthening cells beneath inner margin of lateral wings.

Note: A monotypic genus of the Himalayas.

Tordyliopsis brunonis DC.

Heracleum brunonis (DC.) C.B.Clarke

Stems 20–60cm. Leaves mainly basal; leaflets 5–9, oblong-ovate, 2–3.5 x 1.5–3cm, acute, base rounded or truncate, sessile, margin irregularly serrate, softly pubescent especially beneath; petioles 10–25cm. Umbels 4–6cm across, 4–10-rayed; rays 1.5–3cm, densely softly pubescent; bracts 4–6, lanceolate-acuminate, 15–30 x 2–5mm; umbellules 1.5–2cm across; bracteoles similar to bracts and overtopping flowers. Flowers greenish or purplish white, outer petals to 7 x 4mm. Styles 3–4mm. Fruits ellipsoid, 6–7 x 5–6mm, marginal wings c 1mm broad.

Bhutan: C –Ha district (Tara La), Thimphu district (Barshong, Peglekecheram, Tataka Gompa) and Tongsa district (Padima Tso, Tibdey La to Yuto La); N—Upper Mo Chu district (Zambuthang) and Upper Mangde Chu district (Goktang, Ju La).
Chumbi: Dotag, Meerik La.
Sikkim: Kalep, Lachen, Thanggu.

Ecology: Open hill slopes amongst shrubs, 3950–4400m. Flowers July–August.

Specimen List [14308]

Page developed and maintained by Mark Watson