Only differing from the closely related R. paulsenianus Rech. f. by having lax inflorescence with few flowered whorls and the anterior valves bearing a subglobose or ovate grain whereas in R. paulsenianus the inflorescence is dense and all valves are without grains.

Type: Tian Shan, Semirjatschensk, Alexandroski Mt., valley of Alarczi River, Titov 1506 (LE !).

An Irano-Turanian element, grows between 2200-3500 m in the dry ranges in eastern and western Irano-Turanian subregions; Distribution: Turkmenistan, Kirgystan, Tajikistan, Tian-Schan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

For full discussion of R. paulsenianus and R. thjanschanicus see Rechinger f., (1949).