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Based on specimens collected from Mt Wawu (Wawushan), Sichuan, China, Heteropolygonatum ogisui (Convallariaceae‐Polygonateae) is newly described in this paper. This species is similar to H. roseolum, but differs from it in the leaves, which are sessile and dull white on the abaxial side without a prominent midrib, and totally pink flowers. At the present stage of studies into the genus, Heteropolygonatum consists of five species: H. roseolum, H. pendulum, H. xui, H. ginfushanicum and H. ogisui, which are all epiphytic and distributed only in western China. An artificial key to the species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article puts into context the unusual experience of Whang at Tong, the Chinese boy who was brought by John Bradby Blake from Canton to England, against a wider background of 18th and 19th century Canton where a considerable number of Chinese made a living from foreign trade. Referencing various sources and circumstantial materials, I suggest that prior to his first departure for England, Whang at Tong had already been exposed to an English‐Chinese environment in which he was able to make a living by being an in‐between person, perhaps also picking up some English with a few English‐learning kits. He might have benefited from existing foreign knowledge circulated in Canton when he was young; he might also have contributed to the enhancement of this pool of knowledge after he returned home from England in the 1780s. The experiences of Whang at Tong thus open a window to reconsider how cultural encounters between East and West could have taken place, including especially among ordinary people on a daily basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fritillaria yuminensis X.Z. Duan ( Liliaceae) is described and illustrated; the species in the Fritillaria verticillata complex are listed and their relationship to the rest of the genus, as revealed by DNA studies, is described. The cultivation of Fritillaria (bei mu) for medicine and its conservation in China are summarised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Betula insignis Franch. from central and western China is described and illustrated. Its similarity to the fossil species, B. leopoldii McGintie, described from the Eocene in British Columbia is noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. The Chinese Helleborus thibetanus (Ranunculaceae), a geographically isolated species in the genus, is illustrated; its history, relationships, distribution, ecology and cultural requirements are discussed and a full description of the species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]