New taxonomic status and first report of the little-known Silene nigrescens var. latifolia (Caryophyllaceae) in India with lectotypification of Lychnis nigrescens

Bouquet’s Silene nigrescens subsp. latifolia, a little-known taxon of the carnation family, is reported here as a noteworthy addition to the flora of India, based on recent collections from Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand. A detailed morphological description, original photos, and an identification key for the infraspecific taxa of S. nigrescens group, are provided. A new taxonomic status (from subspecies to variety) is also proposed for Bouquet’s taxon latifolia. A lectotype (stored at K) is designated for the name Lychnis nigrescens (basionym of Silene nigrescens).