Abstract:

 The present paper deals with the genus Paeonia in Xinjiang, whose taxonomy has

been confused. Based on the field observation, population sampling and the examination of

herbarium specimens, a taxonomical revision is made in this paper.  Two species are recog-

nized, i. e. Paeonia anomala L. and P. sinjiangensis K. Y. Pan. P. altaica K. M. Dai

et T.  H.  Ying is reduced to P.  sinjiangensis and P.  hybrida (= P.  anomala var.

intermedia) is reduced to P. anomala. The diagnostic characters of the two species are de-

scribed and illustrated, and a map of their distribution in Xinjiang is presented. A key to

these two species is provided here.

1. Roots straight, not thickened; sepals all caudate, less frequently one or very rarely two

    non-caudate  ................................................  1. P. sinjiangensis K. Y. Pan.

2.  Roots fusiform or tuberous; inner three sepals non-caudate, less frequently one of them

caudate  ..............................................................  2. P. anomala L.

key words  Xinjiang; Paeonia; P. anomala; P. sinjiangensis; revision