Unknown Aconitum

[Lori S.]

Well, the plant I have shown previously on this forum as "Aconitum anthoroideum" definitely isn't, when I compare it to the eFlora of China illustration and description of the species.  

My plant is a little over 6 feet tall in bloom, and is a bit lax (though I don't suppose it is a climbing variety, but have no experience with those).
The leaves, and especially, flower shape, bear no resemblance to what it was said to be:
   


Here is the eFlora of China info for Aconitum anthoroideum:
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200007107
http://www.efloras.org/object_page.aspx?object_id=39610&flora_id=2

I'm grinding through the Chinese Aconitum key to see if I can find it (assuming it's Chinese?), but if someone recognizes it, please let me know!

[McDonough]

Beautiful foliage on your plant, but you're right, the foliage of the species in FOC is completely different.  There's only 211 Aconitum species in China, should be a snap

[James McGee]

My best guess is Aconitum umbrosum.  Although, the two species following in the key are also very close.  A ruler next to key parts would be very helpful.

This guess will help point you in the right direction.  A definitive id really cannot be obtain without a specimen in hand.  Especially, considering the obscurity of the source relative to my familiarity with Eastern and Midwestern United States Flora.

James

[RickR]

The leaf "spotting" is really quite attractive.
The placing of the leaf blotches at the base of every acute angle of the leaf edge intrigues me.
  What would/could cause such pattern?
  Has anyone seen this on other plants?

[Lori S.]

Thanks for the guess, James.

The leaf "spotting" is really quite attractive.
  What would/could cause such pattern?
  Has anyone seen this on other plants?

I was actually wondering that myself.  Trollius albiflorus/laxus shows the same sort of feature, which makes them recognizable at a glance:

I'll have to remember to look at both closely next year to see if I can tell what causes it.