Eryngium polycephalum

A tall yellowy-green Eryngo with a single upright stem (50-150 cm). Its base leaves are few, persistent, with lobes somewhat like leaflets, particularly the terminal one, this being a distinctive feature; the stem leaves are smaller, 3-part, with an expanded stalk that conspicuously clasps the stem. Higher up, the stems display the flower heads with ever-increasing branching upwards, all being greenish-yellow, appearing Jul to Sep. At the base of each flower head is a whorl of 5-7 slender unequal spine-leaves that are equal to the head in size or smaller, and within a head each small flower is attended by a small simple spine. It naturally grows in stony steppe at high altitude (1450-1850 m). Photos.

It is distinguished from similar species by the semi-leafleted form of the lowest, persistent, leaves.^[3]

It is endemic to Turkey,^[1] growing to the southern, central region of the country.^[2]