Primula spathulifolia Craib, Journ. Roy. Hort. Soc., Lond. xxxix. 190 (1913).
Section Minutissimae
Link to Nepal checklist
Type specimen: J. D. Hooker s.n. Sikkim alt. 13,000ft resides at KEW (specimen K000750281).
P. melichlora (syn): Balf.f. & W.W.Sm., Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 9: 29. 1915. Type specimen: W.W. Smith 4071 resides at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (specimens E00024511, E00024512, E00024513, E00024514, E00024515, E00024516).
P. minutissima Jacq. var. spathulifolia (syn): Hook. f. , Fl. Brit. Ind. 3: 494. Type specimen: J. D. Hooker s.n. Sikkim alt. 13,000ft resides as above.
Epithet: Named for the leaf shape.
Distribution: E Nepal, Sikkim.
A relatively little known species, originally described from Sikkim (Lachung area), but extends into East Nepal. Primula melichlora was collected in August at Tosa (NE of Lachung) and is thought to be a later developed state of P. spathulifolia. A small farinose species, to 4cm, leaves spathulate with a broadly winged petiole, rounded or obtuse apex, entire or finely serrulate marin in the upper half of the blade, densely farinose on both leaf surfaces, especially below. Flowers exannulate, purple with a white or yellow eye, scapes absent, pedicel to 10mm with 2 unequal farinose, laceolate bracts. Calyx campanulate, parted to middle and farinose inside and outside. The original description mispelled the name, but has been corrected according to the Code of Nomenclature. Compare with P. stirtoniana, P. minutissima and P. tenella. If you have images of this species, please contact the webmaster.
