Cnidiocarpa physospermifolia, a new record for the flora of Iran

Cnidiocapra consists of five species that are distributed in the Caucasus, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia. Up to now, only one species of this genus, namely, C. alata, is known in Iran. During the floristic study of the Aq-Dagh Protected Area (south of Ardabil province, Iran), C. physospermifolia another species of this genus was observed and identified from the subalpine wetland. This species is characterized by striated stems, 2-ternate leaves, absent or one linear bract, scabrous and unequal rays, and 4–6 commissural vittae. This paper provides the description, and diagnostic images of the plant along with its distribution. The identification key for Cnidiocapra species is also presented.