Bupleurum candollei Wall.

This widespread species exhibits wide variation across its geographic range. Several infraspecific taxa have been described, but these are not always distinct. This, and the following four species are morphologically very similar and further work is needed to define the taxa clearly. At least var. candollei has reputed medicinal value.

Plants 40–100 cm, perennial. Taproot stout, woody, branched. Stem erect, much-branched above, branches spreading-ascending, base without fibrous remnant sheaths. Lower leaves linear-lanceolate or long-elliptic, 12–15 × 0.5–0.8 cm, 11–15-nerved, abaxially glaucous, apex rounded-obtuse, apiculate. Upper leaves long-obovate, base cuneate. Umbels 2.5–4 cm across; bracts 3–5, ovate, 3–20 × 2–10 mm, unequal; rays 4–8, 1–3 cm, unequal, slender; bracteoles 5, broadly elliptic or suborbicular, 3–6 × 1.8–4 mm, apex rounded, apiculate, greatly exceeding flowers; umbellules 8–12 mm across, 10–15-flowered; pedicels 0.5–1.5 mm. Petals pale yellow or dark purple. Stylopodium low-conic, discoid, dark yellow or dark purple. Fruit oblong, brown, 2.7–3.5 × 1.7–1.9 mm; ribs prominent, narrowly winged; vittae 3 in each furrow, 4 on commissure. Fl. Jul–Aug, fr. Sep–Oct.

Perennial, up to 1 m tall. Lower leaves linear to lanceolate, veins 5-7 secondary veins prominent, apex mucronate, base narrowed; upper leave, lanceolate to oblong, oval or ovate; shorter subsessible leaves intermixed with the larger leaves, veins 13-17, secondary veins distinct, apex mucronate. Involucral bracts 1-4, lanceolate to oval, foliaceous. Rays 5-10. Involucel of lanceolate to oval bractlets, as long or longer than the flowering umbellet, veins 3-5. Fruit elliptic, 4-5 mm long; ridges prominent, obtuse; furrows 3-vittate.

W Sichuan, S Xizang, Yunnan [Bhutan, N India, Kashmir, N Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sikkim].

Distribution: Himalayas in India and W. Pakistan.

Mixed forests on shady slopes, open forests, mountain slopes, grassy places; 1800–3200 m.