A Taxonomical Note on Silene marschallii and S. tenella from the Section Lasiostemones (Caryophyllaceae) in Iran

The taxonomy and nomenclature of the genus Silene species encounter numerous problems in Iran. In this study, based on the extensive examination of herbarium materials as well as new collections from natural habitats in different areas of Iran, the scientific names of Silene marschallii and S. tenella (sect. Lasiostemones) specimens were revised. According to the results of this research, S. lineata and
S. subtenella, which had been reported as endemic species of geographical boundaries of Iran, are considered as synonym of S. tenella. On the other hand, S. marschallii is an distinct species, but S. sahendica that had been considered as S. marschallii subsp. sahendica combination in Flora Iranica, as a results of the present study, is the synonym of S. lasiantha. This species that based on available information, distributes in Turkey, Iran and Armenia is distinct taxon from S. marschallii. The taxonomical description, photographs, geographical distribution and habitat remarks of S. lasiantha are presented