Abstract:

Aims: Meconopsis, the second largest genus in the Papaveraceae, is widely distributed across the Eastern Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains and is highly valued for its ornamental qualities. Recently, numerous new taxa, based on subtle morphological differences, have been described from Xizang, Yunnan, and Sichuan, creating considerable challenges in the taxonomy of this genus. This study aims to comprehensively revise the Meconopsis species in China, clarifying their species classifications and geographical distributions, and provide an updated checklist for the genus. 

Methods: This research is based on an extensive review of taxonomic literature, databases, specimen identification, and field surveys, along with molecular systematics data, to comprehensively update the catalogue of Meconopsis species in China. 

Results: This study clarifies for the first time the horizontal and vertical distribution ranges of the genus Meconopsis in China, as well as the county-level distribution information for each species within the genus. The study confirms that Meconopsis in China includes 61 species, 4 subspecies, and 3 varieties, with 34 endemic species. We present an updated catalogue and identification key for the genus, as well as brief discussions on selected taxa. We synonymize several species: M. pseudointegrifolia subsp. daliensis Grey-Wilson, M. prattii (Prain) Prain, M. atrovinosa T. Yoshida & H. Sun, M. biluoensis Y. Fan & L. Wei, M. lhasaensis Grey-Wilson, M. horridula subsp. drukyulensis Grey-Wilson, and M. merakensis T. Yoshida, R. Yangzom & D. G. Long. M. zhongdianensis Grey-Wilson is downgraded to a variety, and M. purpurea T. Yoshida & H. Sun and M. pulchella var. melananthera T. Yoshida are newly combined and also downgraded to varieties. Additionally, this paper reports two newly recorded Meconopsis species in China, M. ludlowii Grey-Wilson and M. sinuata Prain, as well as one newly recorded Meconopsis species in Xizang, M. sherriffii G. Taylor. 

Conclusion: Based on the latest taxonomic research findings, this study provides updated catalogue information and distribution data for the genus Meconopsis in China, offering a reference for future taxonomic studies and species conservation of Meconopsis in China. Future efforts should focus on targeted field surveys of the Meconopsis, combining morphological traits with modern molecular systematics to further refine its classification system and distribution range.

Key words: Meconopsis, taxonomy, catalogue, specimens, distribution, newly recorded species