A synopsis of sect, Cynaroides (Cousinia, compositae), distribution patterns and diversity centers

The name of sect. Cynaroideae Bunge is corrected to sect. Cynaroides Bunge. Cousinia caroli-henrici is described and illustrated as a new species from sect. Cynaroides Bunge. The following species are synonymed: C. albicaulis Boiss. & Bhuse and C. sabzevarensis Rech. f. with C. onopordioides Ledeb., C. pichleriana Bornm. ex Rech. f. with C. ecbatanensis Bornm. and C. fursei Rech. f. with C. pergamacea Boiss. & Hausskn. A complete description of sect. Cynaroides is given. Distribution patterns, diversity centers and distribution map of sect. Cynaroides are presnted in Iran (Maps 1-36). Also the check list of species, synonyms and endemics of section are given.