Notes on Silene chustupica, a new record and occurrence of S. dianthoides in Iran replacing with S. Marcowiczii

The genus Silene, with more than 100 species in Iran is an important genus of Iranian flora. According to available data on the northwestern parts of Iran, including three provinces of Ardabil, East and West Azarbaijan are considered as a major diversity center of perennial species of the genus Silene in Iran. In the course of a revision of Silene in this area, some interesting specimens were collected which are new records from Iran. In this paper, occurrence of Silene dianthoides (sect. Caespitosae), and S. chustupica (sect. Auriculatae) are reported. The name S. dianthoides is used for previous records of S. marcowiczii which is more likely conspecific. Both species are growing in alpine zone. The previously evaluated threatened status of S. chustupica as critically endangered according to IUCN red list categories is discussed here. The taxonomical descriptions, geographical distribution and the ecology of the new records are provided and their photographs are also presented.