A New Bellflower, Campanula Dersimensis (Campanulaceae), From E Anatolia, Turkey

Abstract

Campanula dersimensis Firat & Yildirim, a new species endemic to the E Anatolian region of Turkey, is described and illustrated. It is currently known from two localities in Tunceli province (Dersim). Campanula dersimensis shows similarities to C. quercetorum Hub.-Mor. & C. Simon and C. yildirimlii Kit Tan & Sorger. A close relationship of the three taxa is also supported by phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear-encoded ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Diagnostic morphological characters are discussed and compared with those of closely related taxa. Campanula dersimensis is easily distinguished from related species, especially by its retrorsely hairy stem and leaf surface, to 1 mm long calyx appendages and glabrous and light greenish yellow to yellowish white corollas.