A NEW TURKISH SPECIES OF COLCHICUM (COLCHICACEAE) RELATED TO C. BOISSIERI

Abstract

A new species, Colchicum chlorobasis (Colchicaceae), endemic to S Turkey, is described. The species is related to C. boissieri but differs mainly in having a larger, more rounded corm with only short lobes, browner more evanescent tunics projecting along the cataphyll, and more leaves. Both have greenish filament bases. Comparisons are also made with C. sieheanum and C. baytopiorum. A key and illustrations are provided to distinguish these four species, and their distribution is shown on a map. Chromosome numbers have been determined for C. chlorobasis, C. boissieri and C. baytopiorum