ONOSMA ALBURZENSIS (BORAGINACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM CENTRAL ALBURZ MOUNTAINS, NORTH IRAN

A new species of genus Onosma is described from Central Alburz Mountains, N. Iran. Onosma alburzensis is placed in the sect. Onosma subsect. Asterotricha (Boiss.) Gürke based on its stellate-hairy tubercles. Its closest taxon is Onosma cardiostegia Bornm., which is distributed in the west of Iran, and differs from it by the shape and size of bracts and sepals, indumentum type, indumentum of the corolla, as well as distribution range. The new species is the first taxon of subsect. Asterotricha, which is present out of the previous distribution range. The ecology, distribution, and conservation status of the new species are noted. Also, illustrations and a distribution map of the new species and its relative are presented.