Caryophyllaceae


Acanthophyllum
microcephalum
 
 
A. microcephalum Boiss., Diagn. ser. 1(1): 43 (1843).
  Shrub, 15-30 cm, papillose-pubescent, stems numerous, erect. Leaves fasciculate, finely pubescent, spreading, needle-like, 10-15 x 0.5-1 mm, ending in glabrous yellowish spines. Internodes (10-)15-20 mm, mostly longer than leaves. Clusters of flowers terminal and axillary. Bracts leaf-like, linear-lanceolate, erect, spiny, membranous-margined at base, 3-7 mm, shorter than or as long as the flowers; flower-heads together with bracts 8-13 mm in diam. Calyx tubular-turbinate, 3.5-5 mm, 5-costate, shortly pubescent, teeth short, ovate to broad ovate, straight, adpressed, prickly, 1-1.5 mm, with broad membranous margins. Petals white, oblanceolate to obcordate, retuse, 4-6 mm. Capsule obovate to globose. Seeds ± smooth. Fl. 7-8. Mountain steppe, 1800-2000 m.
  Type: Iran, in rupestribus montis Elbrus Persiae borealis prope Derbend, 30 vi 1843, Kotschy 416 (holo. G!).
  B9 Van: 2 km N of Micinger suyu river, on road to Şatak, 1900 m, D. 23169! C1O Van/Hakkari: Başkale to Çölemerik, 1800 m, Birand & Karamanoğlu 415!
  Transcaucasia, Iran. Ir.-Tur. element. Allied to A. mucronatum and A. verticillatum.