Eryngium polycephalum

Eryngium polycephalum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Eryngium
Species:
E. polycephalum
Binomial name
Eryngium polycephalum
Hausskn. ex H.Wolff [1]

Eryngium polycephalum, in Turkish başlı boğadikeni (meaning Headed Eryngo),[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, endemic to Turkey.[1]

Description and Habitat

A tall yellowy-green Eryngo with a single upright stem (50-150 cm). Its base leaves are few, persistent, with lobes somewhat like leaflets, particularly the terminal one, this being a distinctive feature; the stem leaves are smaller, 3-part, with an expanded stalk that conspicuously clasps the stem. Higher up, the stems display the flower heads with ever-increasing branching upwards, all being greenish-yellow, appearing Jul to Sep. At the base of each flower head is a whorl of 5-7 slender unequal spine-leaves that are equal to the head in size or smaller, and within a head each small flower is attended by a small simple spine. It naturally grows in stony steppe at high altitude (1450-1850 m). Photos.

It is distinguished from similar species by the semi-leafleted form of the lowest, persistent, leaves.[3]

Distribution

It is endemic to Turkey,[1] growing to the southern, central region of the country.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c Plants of the World Online (with map)
  2. ^ a b "bizimbitkiler.org (with map)".
  3. ^ A Güner; N Özhatay; T Ekim; KHC Başer (2001). Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, vol. 11 (Supplement).