The species of Eryngium Sect. Foetida (Apiaceae) from Argentina

Abstract

Eryngium Sect. Foetida (Sect. Flaccida included) is represented in Argentina by 7 species: E. chubutense, E. coronatum, E. echinatum, E. ekmanii, E. divaricatum, E. dorae and E. nudicaule. They are small-sized herbaceous plants, characterized by petiolated leaves with reticulate venation, and isophlyctide-type fruits; they principally occur in the NE and center of the country, but the endemic species Eryngium chubutense reaches Patagonian provinces toward the south of its area. Eryngium dorae, poorly collected and insufficiently known, detaches by its subpedicelate flowers an echinated fruits, both characters rarely found in Eryngium. In this contribution, taxonomical characters of interest
to the section are analized; species are described and illustrated and a key to recognize them is provided.