Valerianaceae

V. alpestris Stev. in Mem. Soc. Imp. Nat. Mosc. 5:342 (1814). Syn: V. alpina Adams in Weber & Mohr, Beitr. 1:45 (1805) non Vell. (1790); V. montana Bieb., Fl. Taur.-Cauc. 1:25 (1S08) non L. (1753). Map 78, p. 555.
Erect, glabrous perennial. Rhizome cylindrical; roots slender, cylindrical. Stem solitary, simple, subsulcate, (25-)40-60 cm. Basal leaves simple, ovate to oblong, (3-)6-10 cm, entire; petioles usually slightly longer than lamina. Cauline leaves ovate, acute, becoming amplexicaul, sessile towards top of stem, frequently serrate, the uppermost often lanceolate-linear and occasionally pinnatisect with lanceolate lobes. Inflorescence dense in flower, convex, c. 2(-4) cm in diam., spreading somewhat in fruit. Flowers white. Achene glabrous. Fl. 5-8. Moist alpine meadows, 1500-3000 m.
N.E. & E. Anatolia. A7 Gümüşane: Karagöl Da., Sint. 1894:7049! A8 Trabzon: N. slope of Soğanli Da. above Çaykara, 2000-2200 m, D. 32187! B7 Erzincan: Sipikör Da., 1500 m, Balls 1538! B8 Erzurum: Tech Da. (Palandöken Da.) 2000-2300 m, Tchihatcheff 908. B9 Van: d. Hoşap, Kepir Da., 2800 m, D. 23350!
Caucasia. Euxine (mt.) element. The Turkish specimens reflect a rather polymorphic species, particularly variable characters being the degree of serration of the leaf margins and the degree of division of the cauline leaves (Sint. 7049 is particularly aberrant, with small basal leaves and absence of serration).