Verbascum kurdistanicum (Scrophulariaceae), a new species from Hakkâri, Turkey

Abstract Verbascum kurdistanicum Fırat (Scrophulariaceae), is described and illustrated as a new species that is located in Hakkâri, Turkey. In this study, diagnostic morphological characters of this and closely related species (Verbascum oreophilum K.Koch and Verbascum pyramidatum M. Bieb) are discussed. Furthermore, distribution maps for the three taxa are provided.


Materials and methods
During field exploration in Hakkâri province, Turkey in 2011, an unusual population of Verbascum was discovered. At first glance, because of having corolla and capsule with branched eglandular hairs, glandular-hairy infl orescence and distinctly crenate lower leaves it seemed to be similar to V. oreophilum and V. pyramidatum. Th e specimens were cross-checked with the keys provided by Huber-Morath (1978, 1981 and the Verbascum accounts given in various relevant publications such as Fedchenko (1955), Feinbrun-Dothan (1978a, 1978b, Meikle (1985), Boulos (2009) and Ekim (2000). Herbarium specimens from VANF, GAZI, ANK, G and GB herbaria were also examined and compared. The threat category assessment of the new species was defi ned according to IUCN criteria (IUCN 2001). Diagnosis. Verbascum kurdistanicum diff ers from V. oreophilum and V. pyramidatum by being biennial; having 8-30 (incl. petiole) × 2.5-4.5 cm, lanceolate, crenate basal leaves; linear-lanceolate calyx lobes; 4 stamens; two anterior fi laments that are glabrous near apex; 10-15 × 6-8 mm, ovate to oblong capsule.
Other herbarium materials of Verbascum oreophilum and Verbascum pyramidatum which were collected from Turkey have been examined. VANF, GAZI, ANK, G and GB herbarium have been visited for representative specimens.
Red list assessment: Th e extent of occurrence for Verbascum kurdistanicum was less than 100 km 2 (approximately between 10-20 km 2 ). 304 mature individuals have been counted. Th is species was found in a single location. It grows in limestone rocks and steppe. Its habitat continues to decline because of agricultural activities and other local uses. Hence, the threat category of Verbascum kurdistanicum is suggested as CR [B1ab (i, ii, iii) + 2ab (i, ii, iii)].

Results and discussion
Because of having 4 stamens, Verbascum kurdistanicum belongs to the group A according to the Flora of Turkey (Huber-Morath 1978, Davis et al. 1988). Th is group comprises 30 species with the addition of Verbascum kurdistanicum.
Verbascum kurdistanicum is morphologically similar to V. oreophilum and V. pyramidatum because of having the corolla and capsule with branched eglandular hairs; glandular-hairy infl orescence and distinctly crenate lower leaves, but diff ers from being biennial; having diff erent basal leaves; stamen; fl aments and capsule (Table 1).