The Iranian Journal of Botany
Volume:28 Issue: 1, Spring and Summer 2022

Hedysarum pseudomacranthum is described here as a new species to science. It is endemic to the Talesh Mountains, northwestern Iran. The species appears to be most closely related to H. macranthum, but differs from it in having different leaflet shape and dimensions, different color of the corolla, and longer keel’s claw. The distribution map as well as the picture from the holotype habit and the flower parts of the new species are presented here.

The taxonomic status of the genus Sorghum Moench in Iran was evaluated. 163 accessions were studied using 75 morphological characters. The results indicated that the genus occurs in Iran with 4 species, S. propinquum, S. halepense, S.× drummondii, and S. bicolor. Sorghum propinquum (Kunth) Hitchc. is reported for the first time from Iran. This species is morphologically similar to S. halepense (L.) Pers. but differs from it in characteristics of rhizomes, leaf mid-vein, and inflorescence. Also, images and identification key for taxa is presented.

Tanacetum polycephalum is one of the most problematic species of T. sect. Xanthoglossa. In this study, forty-three quantitative and qualitative morphological characters were measured for thirty-four different populations of T. polycephalum and four populations of its allies, e. g. T. canescens, T. tabrisianum, and T. elbursense. The data matrix was analyzed by cluster and principal co-ordinate analysis using the PAST software. The results indicated that the T. polycephalum complex contains three distinct groups, which could be recognized as segregated taxa. Herein, T. azerbaidjanicum comb. & stat. nov. and T. argyrophyllum are known as separate species. A diagnostic identification key and notes about habitats, phytogeography, chromosome data, and distributions are presented.

The following four species are reported for the first time from Iraq: Buffonia enervis Boiss (Caryophyllaceae), Lagochilus aucheri Boiss (Lamiaceae), Sideritis montana L. and Linaria micrantha (Cav.) Hoffmanns. & Link (Plantaginaceae). Furthermore, the Consolida anthoroidea (Boiss.) Schrödinger (Ranunculaceae), was recently recollected, after the initial old collection by Haussknecht. Brief notes on the habitats and distribution of the species plus their detailed photos are given.

Lactuca adenophora Boiss. & Kotschy (Asteraceae), is reported here as a new record from Nacarouz and Dalanpar Mountains for the flora of Iran. The geographical distribution of the new record and its distinguishing characters plus its detailed photos are presented.

The genus Alcea (Malvaceae) with around 70 species has its highest species diversity in SW Asia, especially in Iran. The current study introduces the rare species A. guestti as a new record for the flora of Iran. It is an almost well-defined species readily distinguished by its obviously thick textured leaves with dense prominent veins and serrate to serrate-dentate margins among the genus. Dwarf habit, an epicalyx with a length of more than 1/2 as long as the calyx, and dorsally deeply canaliculated yellowish-brown mericarps with long wings are also its other diagnostic traits. Its complete description, distribution map, and conservation status are presented. Also, micrographs of sections of leaf and stem as well the seeds of A. guestii using a scanning electron microscope are provided

Centaurea fenzlii Reichardt (Asteraceae) is reported as a new record for the flora of Armenia. Centaurea fenzlii is a species from the Centaurea sect. Cynaroides, a section with no previous records in the South Caucasus. It is found in Vayots Dzor province, in the steppe surrounded by sparse juniper and oak communities. In this paper, a key for the biennial Centaurea spp. in the South Caucasus as well as updated diagnostic characters are provided. The article discusses phytogeographical data for the new population and addresses concerns related to the conservation status of the species.

The red-orange-colored stigmas of saffron are one of the most expensive spices in the world. Meiosis processes in saffron showed that Crocus sativus L. is an autotriploid species with 2n=3x=8+8+8=24 chromosomes. The results obtained from the meiosis behavior indicated that the major role in the sterility of saffron is autotriploidy in this crop. Arrangement of chromosomes as trivalents in meiosis and formation of these trivalents in the forms of frying pan, chain type, Y type, V type, and triangle type at metaphase I, causes their imbalance junction at anaphase I. Unbalance disjunction of chromosomes at anaphase I and II with the occurrence of the lagging chromosomes in these phases, causes sterile gametes. Also, the formation of chromatid bridges at anaphase I and II with the occurrence of micronuclei at telophase II and tetrad stage are the other reasons for the sterility.

Three plant species belonging to three genera of Apiaceae, Boraginaceae & Poaceae were collected from wetlands in western regions of Iran. The chromosomal count of Leiotulus porphyrodiscus (Stapf & Wettst.) Pimenov & Ostr. (2n = 22) is reported for the first time, and the chromosome count of Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) P. Beauv. ex J. Presl & C. Presl (2n = 28) is reported for the first time for the flora of Iran. The number of chromosomes in Echium italicum L. (2n = 16) is reported from Kermanshah Province. Karyomorphological parameters such as karyotypic formula, Romero-Zarco indices, Stebbins class, and other karyotypic symmetry indices were determined for all species.

Somatic chromosome numbers of six endemic and rare species of the genus Astragalus were studied. The basic chromosome number for all studied species was x = 8. Five of the studied species including A. assadabadensis, A. carduchorum, A. kirrindicus, A. nervistipulus, and A. microcephalus subsp. pycnocladus were diploid and A. trachyacanthos was tetraploid. The chromosomal parameters of the species were calculated and their idiograms were drawn. The karyotypic formula of the species was different, but in all species most of the chromosomes were metacentric and there were zero to three submetacentric chromosomes. Astragalus assadabadensis had the longest chromosomes and A. trachyacanthos had the shortest chromosomes. Chromosome count of three species including A. carduchorum from the sect. Acidodes, A. microcephalus subsp. pycnocladus and A. trachyacanthos from the sect. Rhacophorus are reported for the first time.