This study comprises the phytochemical characterization, the evaluation of the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA), and the investigation of the cyto-genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of hydromethanolic extract derived from Salvia verticillata L. leaves. HPLC–DAD–ESI-MS and HPLC–DAD were used for the characterization of the extract and determination of the major ingredients. Afterwards, the TPC and AA were determined. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of the extract on cultured human lymphocytes at concentrations of 10, 25, and 50 μg mL⁻¹ was investigated via the Cytokinesis Block MicroNucleus (CBMN) assay. Moreover, its antigenotoxic potential against the mutagenic agent mitomycin C (MMC) was assessed using the same assay. The hydromethanolic extract comprises numerous metabolites, with rosmarinic acid being the major compound. It had a high value of TPC and exerted significant AA as shown by the results of the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Radical Scavenging Activity by DPPH• assays. A dose-dependent cytotoxic potential was recorded, with the highest dose (50 μg mL⁻¹) exhibiting statistically significant cytotoxicity. None of the tested concentrations induced significant micronuclei (MN) frequencies, indicating a lack of genotoxicity. All tested concentrations reduced the MMC-mediated genotoxic effects, with the two lowest showing statistically significant antigenotoxic potential.

Verbascum salicifolium is described and illustrated as a species new to science based on morphological and molecular evidence. Analysis of chloroplast genome markers indicated the inclusion of the new species within a group of morphologically dissimilar taxa, whereas the closest morphologically related species is sister to that group. Additionally, the chromosome number (2n = 36) and karyotype microphotograph of the new species are provided. The known distribution of V. salicifolium is confined to the eastern shores of Doiran Lake, where a single, threatened population exists. Thus, the appropriate conservation status for the species is recommended according to IUCN criteria.

The heterotypic synonyms Verbascum limnense and Celsia tomentosa are neotypified and lectotypified, respectively, and their nomenclature is clarified. The former binomial represents the correct name at species rank for a range-restricted, paleoendemic plant confined to Central Greece. Furthermore, the new nothospecies Verbascum × sipiadense, representing the hybrid formula V. limnense × V. sinuatum, is described from the island of Evvia (Euboea).

A forthcoming taxonomic treatment of the genus Verbascum in Greece in the frame of The Flora of Greece Project necessitates the description of one species and two subspecies as new to science, the upgrading to subspecies rank of two taxa formerly recognized as varieties, as well as the formation of two new combinations. Verbascum bolbes from the regional unit Thessaloniki is here described as a new species, whereas V. lychnitis subsp. goulimyi and V. undulatum subsp. suffruticosum from the regional units Serres and Corinthia, respectively, are new subspecies. Furthermore, V. longifolium subsp. samaritanii and V. longifolium subsp. pannosum represent new statuses, whereas V. glandulosum subsp. doiranense and V. macrurum subsp. pannosiforme are the new combinations. Importantly, we also show that the name V. pycnostachyum is misapplied in the East Aegean region as Greek subpopulations do not belong to this species but to the morphologically allied V. davisianum described from Anatolia. We additionally perform the lectotypification of the names V. davisianum and V. glandulosum subsp. doiranense.

Centaurea dolopica from Omvriaki area in Central Greece is described and illustrated as a species new to science based on morphological and molecular evidence. Detailed description of the new species, distribution, ecology, conservation status, as well as comparison with closely related species are provided. Individuals of Centaurea dolopica were also examined karyologically resulting to the chromosome number 2n = 2x = 22 accompanied by comprehensive karyotype analysis. Phylogenetic study including the new species and major representatives of Centaurea section Acrocentron was conducted using two nuclear markers (ITS, ETS). The results revealed the placement of Centaurea dolopica in the Greek-Aegean clade of the section in close evolutionary relationship with the members of the C. achaia group, corroborating the morphological and karyological data.