A new variety of Cnicus benedictus (Asteraceae) for the flora of Iran

The genus Cnicus (Asteraceae) is monotypic and only encompassing C. benedictus L. According to Flora Iranica, C. benedictus comprises two varieties namely: var. benedictus and var. kotschyi (Sch.Bip.) Boiss. Both varieties having glabrous achenes and var. kotschyi differs from the former by having shorter achenes and pappus. For taxonomic revision of C. benedictus in Iran, plants were collected from diff erent regions within the natural geographical distribution of the species during several excursions from 2011 to 2017. The collected specimens were identified according to the treatment in Flora Iranica and another literature review. A range of taxonomically important characters in the species was investigated. Some interesting samples were discovered that having achenes covered with tomentose hairs. Achene morphology was analyzed by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) also confirmed above diagnostic character. So Cnicus benedictus var. tomentosus Negaresh is described and illustrated here as a new variety. However, holotype and paratypes specimens are deposited at herbaria of Khuzestan Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (KhAU) and Bu-Ali Sina University (BASU), respectively.

Keywords:

New variety , Taxonomy , SEM , Cnicus benedictus