A taxonomical revision of Ilex (Aquifoliaceae) in the Pan-Himalaya and unraveling its distribution patterns Author Hong, De-Yuan text Phytotaxa 2015 2015-10-08 230 2 151 171 http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.230.2.3 journal article 10.11646/phytotaxa.230.2.3 1179-3163 13630869 11. Ilex intricata Hooker (1875: 602) . Type :—SIKKIM. Lachen , 3050–3350 m , May 29, 1849 , J. D. Hooker s. n. ( lectotype here designated: K); Lachen , 3350 m , May 29, 1849 , Hooker s. n. ( paratype : K [K000669510]) ; NEPAL . Yallung Mts , 3350 m , J. D. Hooker s. n. ( paratype : K) Ilex xizangensis Y.R. Li (1981: 353) , syn. nov. Type :— CHINA . Tibet , Mêdog , 3200 m , 31. Jul. 1974 , Qinghai-Xizang Exped. 74–3852 ( holotype : KUN; isotype : PE). Ilex xizangensis was described based on only one collection. The protologue states that it differs from I. intricata in being erect shrubs, having leaves narrow-elliptic, 2–3 cm long, 0.7–1 cm wide, and pedicel 5 mm long. Actually the field records of the type only state “shrub, 1 m ”, but without indication whether it is erect or prostrate. I measured leaves and pedicels of the holotype (KUN) and isotype (PE). Its leaves are 1.6–3.2 cm long, 0.8–1 cm wide, and the male pedicel is 4–5 mm long. I also measured these two parts in eight collections identified as I. intricata by Li and others from NW Yunnan and SE Tibet , with the result showing that leaves are 1.1–2.5 cm long, 0.8–1.2 cm wide. The most important is that the type is a male individual with a few flowers still in anthesis, which were found having welldeveloped stamens. However, Li (1981) misrecorded it as a “feminea” specimen and used “pedicelli 5 mm longi” for distinguishing her plant from I. intricata . Therefore, there are no distinct characters for recognizing I. xizangensis as a separate species. Representative specimens examined:— E NEPAL : Mechi , Taplejung , Yalung Ridge , 3350–3660 m , 08. Nov. 1981 , T. Schilling 2529 (K). SIKKIM & DARJILING : Sikkim , Jongri , 3350 m , 15. Oct. 1875 , Clarke 25882 A (K) & 25882B (K) ; Bakhim bungalow to Phedang , 3000–3700 m , 20. Jun. 1983 , Starling et al. AGSES 11 (K) ; W Distr., 27°26 ′ N , 88°10 ′ E , 3200 m , 09. Jul. 1992 , Long et al. 157 (E); Zemu Valley , Cave 181 (K). BHUTAN : Bumphaang , Thrumseng La , 3515 m , 08. May 1987 , HEB-APB 204 (K) ; Gasa Dzong , Mo Chu Valley , 3050 m , 02. Oct. 1949 , Ludlow et al. 17382 ( BM ) ; NW of Mongar , above Sengor , 27°23 ′ N , 91°01 ′ E , 3500 m , 14. Jun. 1979 , Grierson & Long 1909 (K) ; Tashigang Distr. , Chorten Lora , Pang-la , 3300 m , 15. May 1994 , Bowes Lyon 10099 (E). YARLUNG ZANGBO-BRAHMAPUTRA : Delei Valley , 28°21 ′ N , 96°37 ′ E , 04. Jun. 1928 , Kingdon-Ward 8291 (K) ; Gutang , 3400 m , B. S. Li & S. Z. Chen 1227 ( PE ) ; Nage , 3250 m , 31. Jul. 1974 , Qinghai-Xizang Exped. 3779 (KUN, PE) ; S HENGDUAN : Cawarong , Sichito , 28°48 ′ N , 98°15 ′ E , 3960 m , Oct. 1922 , G . Forrest 22811 ( type of I. intricata f. macrophylla H. F. Comber : E, K) ; Gongshan , Gongshan to Drungjiang , 2900 m , 26. Jul. 1982 , Qinghai-Xizang Exped. 8805 (KUN, PE). U IRRAWADDY : Adung Valley , 3050–3350 m , 10. Jun. 1931 , F . Kingdon-Ward 9624 ( BM ) ; Nam Tamai Valley , 28°15 ′ N , 97°30 ′ E , 3960 m , 08. Oct. 1937 , F. Kingdon-Ward 13400 ( BM ) ; North Triangle ( Wung Bum , above Ahkail ), 3200 m , 06. Nov. 1953 , F . Kingdon-Ward 21558 ( BM ) ; Seingku Wang , 28°08 ′ N , 97°24 ′ E , 3350 m , 04. Jul. 1926 , F . Kingdon-Ward 7044 (K) .