Eryngium dichotomum, Desf.

11. E. dichotomum Desf. View in CoL , Fl. Atl. 1: 226 (1798).

Perennial; stems 20-100 cm, erect. Basal leaves slightly coriaceous, decaying early; lamina 3-5-6 x 0-7-3 cm, oblong, cordate or truncate at base, simply or doubly serrate (the younger sometimes 3-lobed); petioles equalling or up to twice as long as lamina. Inflorescence usually bluish, with usually numerous pedunculate, subglobose capitula 1-1-5 cm. Bracts 2-4 cm, 4-6(-7), linear-lanceolate, with 1-2 pairs of spinescent teeth; bracteoles entire or rarely 3- cuspidate. Sepals 2-3 mm, ovate-lanceolate, aristate. Fruit densely scaly, the scales overlapping. Dry places. W. Mediterranean region (local); S.E. Russia. Hs It Si Rs (E). The plants from Russia differ from the Mediterranean ones in having the younger basal leaves often 3-lobed and more persistent, and in the larger, bluer inflorescence. They have been called E. caeruleum Bieb. , Beschr. Land. Terek. Casp. 155 (1800) ( E. biebersteinianum Nevski ), but do not appear to be specifically distinct.