P. calciphila Hutch.
Section Auganthus
Type specimen: cult. from seeds of Wilson 67 or 161 resides at K (specimens K000750118, K000750119, K000750120, K000750121, K00075012) and E (specimen E00024784).
Epithet: Named for its lime-loving character.
Distribution: Hubei, China.
Usually considered a synonym of P. rupestris and intially confused with P. praenitens (P. sinensis), recent observations show this species is distinct. It is found growing on limestone cliffs in the area of Yichang, Hubei. P. calciphila can be distinguished from P. praenitens by having dry and persistent old petioles on the old stems. It is most similar to P. rupestris but can be distinguished by distribution, corolla lobes entire to bi-lobed (versus deeply bi-lobed) and the calyx parted to less than the middle. The type is a batch of cultivated plants located at Kew. P. calciphila is efarinose, glandular hairy with a short stem, branched and girt with the persistent bases of old petioles. Leaves pubescent on both surfaces, pinnately 6-7 lobate, the lobes oblong or rounded, unequally crenate-dentate. Scape to 15cm, glandular pubescent usually with a single umbel of 6-8 rose-lilac or pale lilac flowers.
