Cem Vural

Seed morphology and its systematic implications for genus Astragalus L. sections Onobrychoidei DC., Uliginosi Gray and Ornithopodium Bunge (Fabaceae)

Forty-eight species of Astragalus L. sections Onobrychoidei DC., Uliginosi Gray and Ornithopodium Bunge (Fabaceae) in Turkey were studied in order to describe and investigate their seed morphologies and to evaluate the diagnostic value of this character using a stereoscopic microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM pictures of seeds were taken as a whole and in detail. The systematic implications of the findings are discussed. Six main seed types were observed. A key to identifying the different seed types is provided.

Two New Species of Echinops sect. Ritropsis (Asteraceae) from Turkey

Echinops antalyensis C. Vural and Echinops borae C. Vural (both in sect. Ritropsis) are described as new species from South Anatolia, Turkey. A revised diagnostic key of the species of Echinops sect. Ritropsis in Turkey is given. The morphological differences from the closely related species are discussed. An IUCN threat category for the two new species is proposed and observations on the ecology of the populations are provided. The geographical distributions of the new species are preseted.

New combination in Veronica (Scrophulariaceae s.l.) based on morphological characters and the seed storage protein polymorphism

Veronica erciyasdagi (M. A. Fischer) C. Vural comb. & stat. nov., previously regarded as a variety, is proposed as a new combination, based on the morphological characters and seed storage protein polymorphism presented in this study. In addition, information about the ecology and conservation status of Veronica erciyasdagi was reported. This taxon is endemic to central Anatolia, Turkey and is critically endangered.

A New Combination in Descurainia (Brassicaceae) from Turkey

Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl subsp. bartschii (O.E. Schulz) C. Vural comb. & stat. nov., previously regarded as a species, is proposed based on the morphological and pollen characteristics. A detailed description is given on the basis of new material from the type locality. The taxon is endemic to central Anatolia, Turkey. A key to the Turkish subspecies of Descurainia sophia is provided.

A single locality, endemic species, Astragalus argaeus (Fabaceae)

SummaryAstragalus argaeus Boiss. & Balansa is a single locality, endemic species belonging to the monotypic Sect. Argaeus. In this study, morphology, ecology, pollen, legume and seed properties of the species have been examined. An amended and complete morphological description of the species is provided, and the conservation status and potential threats are evaluated.