Updated diagnostic key for the Rhanteriopsis species

In the preparation of the current identification key, the descriptions and the key by Wiklund (1987) were used.

1. Capitula heterogamous .............................................................................................................................. Rhanteriopsis lanuginosa

- Capitula homogamous ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2

2. Stems up to 15 cm tall; sterile shoot leaves broadly elliptic, sessile or short petiolate; cauline leaves 0.9–1.2 cm long .................... .................................................................................................................................................................... Rhanteriopsis bombycina

- Stems mostly more than 15 cm tall; sterile shoot leaves oblanceolate, long petiolate; cauline leaves 1.4–6 cm long...................... 3

3. Outer (0.4–0.7 mm) and inner (0.2–0.4 mm) involucral bracts narrow; paleae 0.2–0.3 mm wide; achenes 1.4–1.6 mm long; pappus consisting of 5 bristles ................................................................................................................................ Rhanteriopsis baskilensis

- Outer (1.2–2.6 mm) and inner (0.6–1.8 mm) involucral bracts wider; paleae 0.5–0.9 mm wide; achenes 1.6–2.2 mm long; pappus consisting of 1–4 bristles .................................................................................................................................................................... 4

4. Branches apically whitish-woolly; leaves ± woolly.............................................................................. Rhanteriopsis microcephala

- Branches apically slightly pubescent to glabrous; leaves usually slightly puberulent.................................. Rhanteriopsis puberula