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Issue: Vol. 769 No. 2: 11 Aug. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-08-11
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.769.2.3
Page range: 138-150
Abstract views: 34
PDF downloaded: 3

Saxifraga alpsengulii (Saxifragaceae), a remarkable new species of Saxifraga sect. Cymbalaria from southwestern Anatolia

Department of Biology; Faculty of Science; Ege University; Bornova; İzmir; Türkiye
Department of Biology; Faculty of Science; Ege University; Bornova; İzmir; Türkiye
Eudicots Anatolia granite habitats Latmos Mountains new species Saxifraga sect. Cymbalaria taxonomy Türkiye

Abstract

Saxifraga alpsengulii Yıldırım sp. nov. (Saxifragaceae, sect. Cymbalaria) is described from the Latmos (Beşparmak) Mountains in southwestern Anatolia, Türkiye. The species grows on shaded granitic rock crevices, shallow cave-like habitats and humid rocky substrates at elevations of 600–750 m. It is morphologically related to S. hederacea, S. cymbalaria and S. sibthorpii, but differs by its fully open stellate flowers lacking a petal-derived pseudo-tubular structure, distinctly clawed, unmarked petals with contrasting adaxial and abaxial coloration, and sepals basally connate and in fruit slightly deflexed at the base with recurved-ascending distal lobes. The species also exhibits a clear floral colour polymorphism at the population level. Owing to its highly restricted distribution and ongoing habitat threats, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(iii)] according to IUCN criteria.

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How to Cite

Yildirim, H. & Çi̇men A. Öykü (2026) Saxifraga alpsengulii (Saxifragaceae), a remarkable new species of Saxifraga sect. Cymbalaria from southwestern Anatolia. Phytotaxa 769 (2): 138–150. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.769.2.3