The most common dandelions in Middle Asia:: The problem of Taraxacum sect. Macrocornuta, T. sect. Ceratoidea sect. nova, and the identity of T-halophilum

The most widespread dandelion group of subsaline sites in Middle Asia is Taraxacum sect. Macrocornuta SOEST s. l. It is shown that the group is heterogenous and several species occupying more humid habitats form a separate, closely related section. The new section is described under the name T sect. Ceratoidea KIRSCHNER & STEPANEK. Among the species classified as members of the new section (T. neolobulatum, T. bicorne, T. varsobicum, T. koksaghyz, T. badachschanicum, T. glaucanthos and T. halophilum) the latter two are dealt with in more detail. Taraxacum halophilum (mostly lower Volga region) is recognized as a species close to but distinct from the widespread T glaucanthos of Kazakhstan. Both species names are typified. Checklists of both sections, Macrocornuta s. str. and Ceratoidea, with typifications are given.