中國之公草母草屬

The Chinese species of Torenia

本文訂正中國玄參科公草母草屬（Torenia）之分類，計為十二種，另存疑者二種，占全屬三十餘種之三分之一。在中國大率見於南方暑熱之低地，常分佈廣泛普遍若莠草然。各種間之區分常不明顯。本屬與Lindernia屬之關係最為接近。

Torenia, a genus of the Scrophulariaceae, is found primarily in tropical Asia. There are about 30 species. This paper is a taxonomic study of the Chinese species. Twelve species are recognized here plus two additional ones of uncertain status. The species are distributed primarily in the southern part of China. Torenia is related to Lindernia, and at times it is not easy to draw a clear-cut distinction between the two. However, they should be considered as genericly distinct, because there are many characteristics which are relatively constant and serve to differentiate them. In Lindernia, the calyx consists of separate or only slightly united sepals, but in Torenia the sepals are united nearly throughout and have the mid-vein of each raised into a ridge or a wing. In Lindernia, the corolla is larger and has an angular, open throat. In the inflorescence of Lindernia the bracts are usually foliose, but in Torenia the bracts are linear and much smaller than the foliage leaves.