Cousinia : morphology, taxonomy, distribution and phytogeographical implications

摘要: Cousinia (Compositae) with over 400 species in SW Asia has its maximum concentration the Flora Iranica area. Overall it a remarkably limited distributional range compared other genera of similar size. On basis significant distribution patterns Cousinia, is argued that highland part area should phytogeographically be re-designated as Irano-Turkestanian region, including Central Asian mountain province Soviet Asia. It also proposed essentially lowland Turanian (Aralo-Caspian) excluded from Irano-Turanian region.