N. Vietnam, Prov. Cao Bang, distr. Tra Linh, municipalite Quoc Toan, vicinity of Thang Heng and Lung Tao villages near Thang Heng lake. Open dry primary mixed forest with domination of Keteleeria fortunei on tops of limestone mesas and ridges at 800-950 m alt. Terrestrial and epilitic herb on shadow wet steep rocky slopes and bluffs. Leaves purple-violet. Common at 500-600. VH 4923 25-27.05.1997 International Botanical Expedition of the U.S.A. National Geographic Society (grant No 5803-96)