Cotoneaster afghanicus G.Klotz

(Fig. 4)

Wissenschaftliche Zeitschrift der Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Reihe, Halle 15: 532 (Klotz 1966).

TYPUS. — Afghanistan. Kuram Valley, XII.1879, J. E. T. Aitchison 363 (holo-, DD; iso-, A, BM, CAL) .

SPECIMENS EXAMINED. — Iran. Province Khorasan, Bazangan, 37°76’46”N, 56°43’40”E, 1500 m, 06.VI.1996, Faghihnia & Zangooei 27111 (FUMH); Bazangan, 36°16’44”N, 60°23’38”E, 1480 m, 25.VIII.2009, Joharchi & Arjmandi 43318 (FUMH); West of Bojnord, Ghorkhod protected region, 37°23’46”N, 56°27’47”E, 1660 m, 20.IX.2011, Memariani & Arjmandi 44626 (FUMH) .

NOTE

This species is morphologically close to C. persicus Pojark. (Raei Niaki 2019) The latter is widely distributed in Fars, Isfahan, and Kerman provinces (Khatamsaz 1992). Leaves of both species are small and ovate with red fruits. However, C. afghanicus differs from C. persicus in its obtuse to rounded apex of leaves (vs acute), base of leaves rounded to obtuse (vs cuneate to narrowly cuneate), and 1-4 flowers per inflorescence (vs 5-8 flowers) (Fig. 4A, B). This species occurs in Afghanistan, Kashmir (Fryer & Hylmö 2009) and Iran.