I had earlier classified these specimens as C. verutum because of larger purple heads slightly spiny upper involucre bracts, but now it seems they mar better fit C. wallichii, a species which shows a lot of variation and may have spiniscent or acute tips of uppermost bracts, flowers may be yellow, white or red.
Photographed from Gulmarg, Kashmir, 23-7-2011
Dr. Gurcharan Singh
Retired Associate Professor
SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007
Res: 932 Anand Kunj, Vikas Puri, New Delhi-110018.