SILENE BACCIFERA (CARYOPHYLLACEAE), A NEW RECORD FOR THE FLORA OF IRAN

Silene (Caryophyllaceae, Sileneae), the most diverse taxon of the pink family, is the fourth-largest genus of the flora of Iran. The current study reports S. baccifera of the monotypic Silene sect. Cucubalus, as a new record for the flora of Iran. Ascending habit, pseudoberry fruits, and deflexed saucer-shaped calyxes are the striking characteristics of S. baccifera, by which the species could be unmistakably distinguished among other congeneric taxa. The number of species and sections of Silene known for Iran by taking S. baccifera into account increases to 121 and 17, respectively. A complete description of S. baccifera along with its distribution map and conservation status herein is presented.