A subsp. farinosa inflorescentia terminalis uniflora (?) et ramis manifeste armatis, nec tenuibus, differt.

Differs markedly from the type subspecies by its very short lateral branches ending in a single flower (?) ; stems apparently armed due to thorn-like very short and almost leafless branches; flowers rare, slightly smaller than the type subspecies, directly borne on the tip of short branches; pedicel about 5-6 mm long; fruits not present.

More gatherings with flower & fruits are needed to confirm the present observations. The present sheet has no fruits, and flowers are rare (hardly 2 on the whole sheet). This condition of very short lateral branches ending in a single flower, may also be due to arrested growth of branches and the peduncle.

There is every possibility of occurrence of C. fruticosa (L.) Druce in our area also. C. fruticosa (L.) Druce (C. indica Lam.) is said to be confined to the Indian territory and distinguished from C. farinosa Forsk. by its larger leaves and glandular hairs (Hedge & Lamond, l.c.11). The West Pakistan plants, no doubt, have waxy or ashy covering on leaves and lack glandular hairs and thus they are similar to the Arabian C. farinosa. However, Elffers et al (l.c. 75-76) recognized 2 subspp. under their C. farinosa-one with waxy scales only and the other with scales and glandular hairs mixed. This, therefore, would call for a reassesment of the taxono¬mic states of C. fruticosa and C. farinosa with adequate material.