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In this study, Turkish Cousinia species were examined in point of chromosome number and morphology. To our knowledge, this work is the first comprehensive chromosomal study regarding Turkish Cousinia as a whole, especially for endemics. As consistent with previous reports, the chromosome numbers are mostly 2n = 26 and have been determined also as 2n = 24 for only the members of Cynaroideae and Sphaerocephalae sections. An interesting result of this paper is that there is not any polyploid species in this taxonomic group and all of them are diploids. Concerning the chromosome evolution of the Cousinia species, we concluded that merely dysploidy is effective within the genus and evolutionally a unipolar reduction goes on in the basic chromosome number in speciation (from 13 to 12). In terms of general chromosomal information, the chromosomes of the genus consist of metacentric and submetacentric types and they could be categorized in small category according to Lima De Faria classification (0.67-3.43). According to chromosomal indices used in this paper, while most species have symmetrical chromosomes, fewer have asymmetrical ones. From this point, it could be said that Cousinia stapfiana could be assessed as the most evolved taxa in karyomorphology according to the average of all indexes used in here. Besides, Cousinia bicolor, Cousinia birandiana, and Cousinia sintenisii are species having the most primitive chromosome within the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achillea alimeana Semiz & Uysal sp. nov. of sect. Santolinoidea DC. (Asteraceae), was described, diagnosed and illustrated as a new species. It was collected from Akdağ Mountains in Denizli Province. In this paper, the diagnostic characters of A. alimeana and its similar species were discussed in the morphological, palynological and molecular findings. As regards the new species, some notes on the ecology, conservation status, and distribution were submitted. A diagnostic key was given for related taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tragopogon porrifolius occurs in Turkey with 3 taxonomically confused subspecies: T. porrifolius subsp. eriospermus, T. porrifolius subsp. longirostris, and T. porrifolius subsp. abbreviatus. In the present paper, T. porrifolius subsp. abbreviatus endemic to Turkey is raised at specific level based on morphological and molecular analysis. After detailed assessment of original herbarium specimens and literature studies, we found that this name is not typified yet. Thus, a lectotype is provided together with an emended diagnosis; synonym, distribution map, and conservation status for the first time. Additionally, a preliminary phylogenetic position of this little-known taxon is given on several newly sequenced data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural sources used as folk medicines in Merzifon were investigated in this study. It was determined that 35 plant and 4 animal species together with 3 animal and 1 inorganic sources are being used as various preparations of folk medicines in Merzifon area. All the collected medicinal plants were identified and voucher specimens were deposited in the Herbarium of Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy (HUEF). Local names, part(s) used, methods of preparation and traditional usages of folk medicines are given in this paper. Traditional herbal medicines were mostly used for gastrointestinal system diseases, heart and circulatory system disorders. When our findings were compared with previously published literatures on folk medicines in Turkey, new local names for 4 species and different usages for 6 plants were found. Moreover, Scorzonera eriphora DC. and Beta trigyna Waldst & Kit. were found to be used as folk medicines in Turkey for the first time in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a floristic study of Bozburun Mountain and its environs. The study was conducted between 1998 and 2002, during which time 2419 vascular plant samples were collected. After the identification of the specimens, the total flora was determined to consist of 645 taxa belonging to 341 genera and 86 families. The endemism rate of the 645 taxa was 16.1% (n = 104 taxa). The phytogeographical spectrum of the species was as follows: Mediterranean 207 (32.1%), Irano-Turanian 51 (7.9%) and Euro-Siberian elements 33 (5.1%). Of the species we sampled, 311 (48.2%) were widespread and the phytogeographical regions of 10 (1.5%) were unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the Old World species of Eryngium L. which grow mostly in regions with a Mediterranean type climate. Two centers of diversity are visible: one in the Western Mediterranean (Iberian Peninsula, Morocco), and the other one in South-West Asia. Distribution maps are presented for several species from South-West Asia, which is probably the genus' most important center of diversity. A preliminary new classification of the genus Eryngium is presented, including a new combination (Eryngium subgenus Fruticosum (Wolff) Wörz stat. nov.). Both the species and the sectional diversity are conspicuously present in Turkey, where 9 of 14 sections occur. This sectional diversity decreases in an easterly direction towards Central Asia. Five Mediterranean species are much more closely related to some North American Eryngiums than to the other Old World ones. Not related to the American sections is Sect. Palmito H. Wolff, although its species bear grass-like leaves similar to some Eryngiums from South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]