Ferula turcica and Ferula latialata are two novel endemic species discovered in the Konya and Kırşehir provinces of the central Anatolian region of Türkiye. These two new species are described by morphological, ecological, carpological, and phytochemical characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. F. turcica and F. latialata are morphologically distinct from F. szowitsiana by their habit, the stalk of the terminal umbella, and the mericarp size, as well as by the profile of their secondary metabolite markers and phylogenetic placement. The phylogenetic analyses of sequences of the internal transcribed spacer in ribosomal DNA belonging to both new taxa were conducted to reveal the evolutionary relationships of the new species. Their relationships with the other related species and proposed conservation status were reviewed. The morphological, molecular, and phytochemical evidence supported the hypothesis that Ferula turcica and Ferula latialata are two new distinct species.

The genus Gundelia is currently represented with 18 species, of which 16 are in Turkey. In genus Gundelia, the chromosomal data were reported from 12 species. In the present study, it is aimed to eliminate the deficiencies in the knowledge about chromosomal data of Gundelia species. In Genus Gundelia, only a single chromosome number had been detected as 2n=18 so far. The chromosome numbers of four species were reported here for the first time: G. armeniaca, G. cappadocica, G. siirtica, and G. tehranica. In addition, the polyploidy in the genus was rare and G. anatolica was identified as the first polyploid species. All karyotypes except G. tehranica were symmetrical, consisting of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Secondary constrictions were observed in the distal regions of the long arms of the longest metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Thus, the chromosomal data of all Turkish Gundelia species were completed. In conclusion, the present study presented new data into the karyological records relating the karyotype evolution and interspecific relations of genus Gundelia.

Narrow endemism is the core of plant diversity in flora of the Mediterranean Basin, which is among the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots. The Mediterranean genus Kundmannia (Careae, Apioideae) comprises just three species, K. sicula, K. anatolica, and K. syriaca. Notably, K. sicula has a wide distribution from the western Mediterranean to Greece, while K. anatolica and K. syriaca occur only in Turkey’s Taurus Mountains, which is a phylogeographical hotspot. Initially, the aim herein was to determine the phylogenetic placement of the genus Kundmannia based on DNA sequences, but it later developed to describing a new genus, Antalia gen. nov., and revealing historical events that acted as drivers in the genetic divergence between Kundmannia and Antalia. Both ribosomal and combined chloroplast multilocus sequences were used to unravel the phylogenetic topology. Toward this aim, morphological characteristics were examined. Based on this, Antalia differs from Kundmannia by its shorter bracteoles and petals, the colour of the petals, and smaller fruits. The phylogenetic results revealed that the genus Kundmannia is nested within the tribe Careae and is not monophyletic. Antalia, which is genetically separate from Kundmannia, is described as a new genus. Detailed morphological descriptions and identification keys are provided. Causes of the genetic disjunction between Antalia and Kundmannia were carefully considered in a time-calibrated phylogenetic framework. The Mediterranean Sea has acted as a relatively effective barrier between these genera since the Messinian salinity crisis. The unwinged mericarps seem to have facilitated the work of the barrier. Historical events during and after the Pliocene and allopatric vicariance seem to have been the most important drivers of evolution between Kundmannia and Antalia and within Antalia.

Paracaryum is a distinctive genus that includes many endemic taxa, and several of these endemics from the Irano-Turanian phytogeographical region are of special interest. In Turkey, the genus includes 28 species, of which 21 are endemic. Paracaryum leptophyllum, Paracaryum ponticum and Paracaryum artvinense occur in northeastern Turkey. The nomenclature, lectotypification, morphology and conservation status of these taxa are examined in the current study. According to these data, P. ponticum must be treated as a distinct species; P. artvinense must be reduced to synonymy with P. ponticum. In this study, P. ponticum and P. leptophyllum are re-classified at the subgenus level, and the lectotypifications of the names are designated. The amended descriptions in comparison with the related species P. ponticum and P. leptophyllum, an identification key, nutlet pictures and a chorological note are provided. The conservation status of these taxa is discussed.