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Quillworts or Çim Eõreltisi, species of the genus Isoetes L. in Turkey and the Levant, are poorly studied despite extensive floristic studies in the region. The Flora of Turkey lists 4 taxa: Isoetes olympicaA.Braun (2 n= 22), I. histrixBory var. histrix(2 n= 20), I. subinermis (Bory) Cesca & Peruzzi [= I. histrix Bory var. subinermisDurieu (2 n= 22)] and I. durieiBory (2 n= ca. 121). An additional species, I. anatolica Prada & Rolleri, was described in 2005 from Bolu province, and we report the first count for this species, 2 n= 22. In Syria and Lebanon 2 species are known: I. olympicafrom a site in Syria and a known but undescribed plant from Akkar province (Lebanon) and adjacent Syria (2 n= 22, first count). A preliminary molecular phylogeny for these species is presented; their distribution and cytology are discussed. The taxonomy and nomenclature of the I. histrix and I. durieigroups need considerable further study. The first hybrids for the region are documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the presence of three quillworts species Isoetes which are found in Turkey and Syria and are considered new to the flora of Lebanon. It mentions that the Isoetes duriei is terrestrial and grows in typical garrigue vegetation. It says that the discovery of Isoetes olympica's large population near Homs suggests that it has a wider distribution and should be sought at additional sites in Syria. It adds that the third species Isoetes subinermis is not yet found in Lebanon.