Centaurea mesopotamica (Asteraceae, Cardueae), A New Record for the Flora of Iran

The genus Centaurea s. l. is one of the largest genera of the family Asteraceae that includes ۴۰۰-۷۰۰ species in the world. Due to taxonomic confusions, this genus has recently been divided into four genera: Centaurea s. str., Rhaponticoides, Psephellus, and Cyanus. In Iran, the genus includes ۱۱۲ species in ۳۱ sections, of which ۵۱ are endemic. For taxonomic study of Centaurea sect. Mesocentron, extensive collection of distribution areas of C. sect. Mesocentron was conducted in SW Iran. Plant specimens were collected by conventional methods and identified based on reliable sources. As observations, C. mesopotamica is reported as a new record from the flora of Iran. It is easily distinguished form the other species of C. sect. Mesocentron in Iran by having sessile main stem and not decurrent cauline leaves. In addition, a note about the previous typifications of C. mesopotamica is presented. Finally, a key identification to all species of C. sect. Mesocentron in Iran is presented.

کلیدواژه ها:

Centaurea ، New Record ، Khuzestan ، Taxonomy