Stems erect, sulcate-striate, branches ascending. Radical leaves elliptic-lanceolate, 15-25 cm long, apex narrowly acuminate, base contracted, amplexicaul or not, deeply pinnatifid, segments ca. 4, remote, lanceolate or linear to oblong-lanceolate, apex narrowed, base few-dentate or spinose, spines 10-20 mm long, sparsely pubescent on both surfaces; upper leaves gradually smaller, oblong-lanceolate, apex long acuminate, base amplexicaul or not, sparsely spinose-dentate. Heads large, short pedunculate, 4-4.5 cm across, subtended by spinose lanceolate leaves; involucre depressed globose, 22×40-15 mm, purplish cobwebby hairy, bracts 5-seriate, outer and middle ones linear-lanceolate, apical spine 5-8 mm long, inner bracts linear, smaller, unawned; corolla purple, 18-21 mm long, limb ca. as long as tube. Achenes oblong, 4 mm long.
MIAOLI: Taian, Wang 1728. NANTOU: Tungpu to Kuankao, Peng 8026. CHIAYI: Tatachia Saddle to Paiyunshanchuang, Peng 8931. TAITUNG: Haituan, Takuanshan, Peng 11788.
Endemic; in the central mountain range, 2,200-3,200 m.
