OCHOTONOPHILA FLAVA (CARYOPHYLLACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM CENTRAL AFGHANISTAN

Abstract

Ochotonophila flava Dickoré & Freitag sp. nov. (Caryophyllaceae – Silenoideae) is described from the mountains of Bamiyan Province, central Afghanistan. It differs from the two previously known species endemic to Afghanistan, Ochotonophila allochrusoides Gilli and O. eglandulosa Hedge & Wendelbo, by its cream to yellow petals and elliptic leaves. A key to the identification of Ochotonophila species is provided; distribution and ecology are outlined.