Gypsophila afghanica (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Afghanistan

Abstract

A new species, Gypsophila afghanica is described and illustrated. It resembles G. saponarioides but has pubescent and glandular leaves, foliaceous linear bracts and shorter calyx and pedicel. The species so far is only known from a high altitude location in the Hindu Kush mountain range growing on granite slopes, and amongst granite outcrops and rocks.