Primula gambleana G. Watt, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 20:3. 1882. Drawing
Section Cordifoliae
Link to Flora of China description
Link to Flora of Bhutan description
Link to Nepal checklist
Type specimen: Watt 5483 resides at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (specimen E00024705) and KEW (specimens K000750213, K000750214).
Epithet: Named for James Sykes Gamble.
Additional Reference: Letter from Watt to Hooker
Distribution: Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan, E. Nepal, S Tibet,
The name was first published incorrectly as P. gambeliana but this should be corrected according to IAPT code 60. See also additional reference. P. gambleana is closely related to P. rotundifolia and morphologically to P. elongata. All three species may create flowering scapes with double umbels in robust plants. These umbels may not be conspicuous until the plant is in fruit. P. gambleana has resting buds which are farinose, but otherwise the plant is efarinose. Leaves are broadly ovate with a cordate base. Flower color varies from purple-pink through violet-blue. Originally found in Sikkim (see first images), it has a wide distribution.
