A hispid annual herb, 10-40 cm tall. Leaves 2-pinnatisect, 2-6 cm long; ultimate segments linear-oblong, 3-12 mm long, 2-5 mm broad with or without a small seta at the tip, glabrous to subglabrous. Petiole of the lower and basal leaves 2-4 cm long, somewhat broad and sheathing at base, gradually becoming shorter in the upper leaves, uppermost leaves sessile and smaller. Pedicel 1-3 cm long, densely pubescent to glabrous. Buds globose to oblong-pyriform, 12-14 mm long 5-6 mm broad. Sepals 12-14 mm long, c. 8 mm broad, oblong, hooded at the apex, pilose outside. Petals 20-25 mm long, obovate to sub rounded, red with black spot at the base. Stamens multiseriate, 8-10 mm long; anthers 1.5-2 mm long c. 1 mm broad, oblong; filament slightly dilated. Ovary linear oblong, 8-10 mm long; stigmas 4, capitate with ciliate lobes. Capsule 2-4 cm long, 2-2.5 (-3) mm broad, glabrous except the 4 setae projecting beyond the persistent stigma; setae c. 1 mm long, alternating with stigma lobes; seeds numerous, c. 1 mm in diam. reniform, very minutely echinulate, pale orange, pitted.

Fl.Per. May June.

Type: Described from Dagestan (Derbent), Steven (G).

Distribution: Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and W. Pakistan.