1008. ECHINOPS WAKHANICUS: Compositae

Summary Echinops wakhanicus Rech.f. (Compositae: Cardueae: Echinopsinae) is described and illustrated, and its taxonomic position discussed. Field observations and seed collection of the species are mentioned. The genus Echinops is discussed, and comments made on its infrageneric classification, and the placement of E. wakhanicus in sect. Oligolepis . The terminology used in describing the flowering structure in the genus is discussed; the term synflorescence is preferred. Tribal and subtribal relationships are mentioned. Cultivation requirements are also outlined and, whilst certainly unavailable commercially, it is also unlikely to be found in botanical gardens, except in Tajikistan. Spanning the borders of Afghanistan and Tajikistan, the Conservation Status (of Endangered) in Tajikistan is not reflected in the species' wider distribution on the other side of the Panj River in Afghanistan, where it is considered of Least Concern. The variable spination at the apex of some of the synflorescences is commented on.