R. refracta DC, Syst. Nat. 2: 93 (1821). [1: 218]
subsp. occidentalis Kadereit in Flora 179: 138, f. 1-2 (1987).
Differs from subsp. refracta in its sepal margins with very short branched hairs. Subsp. occidentalis tends to be a smaller plant, with only a few specimens taller than 30 cm.
Type: Iran: "Elburz southern ridge above Ab Ali 40' E. of Teheran", c. 2130 m, rocky slopes, Furse 2575 (holo. K!; iso. E).
NE. and E. Anatolia. A7 Gümüşane: Taltaban. ann. 1894, Sintenis. B9 Bitlis: 2 km S of Adilcevaz, 1800 m, Davis 43429.
Iran, Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan. Ir.-Tur. element. [16]