Zygophyllum atriplicoides Fisch. & C. A. Mey.

I have not seen any authentic specimen of this species from our area and R.R. Stewart 28172 cited under this species by Hadidi in Rech. f. (l.c.:) does not belong here because of the absence of pentamerous flowers and 5-winged capsule. This specimen belongs to Zygophyllum eurypterum Boiss & Buhse. However, there is every possibility of its occurence in our area.

An erect shrub, c. 1-1.2 m tall. Stem and branches whitish-grey. Leaves simple, flat, oblong to obovate-spathulate, (1-) 1.5-3 cm long, (4-) 6-12 mm broad, attenuate to short petiole, stellate hairy, apex obtuse; stipules ovate. Flowers pentamerous, creamy white, c. 1 cm across; pedicels filiform, c. 1 cm long. Sepals 5, obovate, 5-6 mm long, c. 5 mm broad, obtuse, with broad membranous margins. Petals 5, obovate, 8-12 mm long, c. 9-10 mm broad, obtuse. Stamens 10, exserted, filaments longer than petals, scales oblong, lacerate. Carpels 5; ovary as long as staminal scales, 5-angled, 5-loculed; style persistent. Capsule oblong-cylindric, 1.5-2(-2.5) cm long, 1.5-2.5 cm across, 5-winged, 5-loculed, each locule 1 or 2-seeded, retuse at the base and apex. Seeds brown, 6-7 mm long.

Distribution: Iran, Afghanistan, Russia (Armenia, Turcomania, Caucasus) and Pakistan.