Ptilostemon afer, (Jacq.) W. Greuter

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1976, Flora Europaea. Volume 4. Plantaginaceae to Compositae (and Rubiaceae), Cambridge University Press : 243

3. P. afer (Jacq.) W. Greuter , loc. cit. (1967)

( Cirsium afrum (Jacq.) Fischer ).

Usually biennial 40-75(-100) cm. Stem whitearachnoid-tomentose to subglabrous. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, pinnatifid, subglabrous above; segments deeply 2- to 3-lobed, the lobes narrowly triangular, with stout spines 5-12(-15)mm. Capitula (4-)10-16(-20), in a dense terminal corymb or cylindrical raceme. Involucre 20-40(-50) x 35-45 mm; base of outer bracts with 0-2(-4) stout marginal spines 3-6 mm on each side, the apex flat, with a stout spine, deflexed in outer and erectopatent in middle bracts. Corolla 22-27(-30) mm. Achenes (3-5-)4-4-5(-5) mm; pappus 15-20(-23) mm. Rocks and stony slopes; calcicole. Mountains of Balkan peninsula; one station in S. W. Romania. Al Bu Gr Ju Rm.