New species and a synonym of the genus Hesperis (Brassicaceae) from Turkey

Abstract

Hesperistosyaensis A.Duran, a new species from northern Anatolia, is described and illustrated. It grows under open Quercusforest. The new species is distinct from the closely allied H. ozcelikii A.Duran by the following features: stem erect, 45 90 cm tall, hispid, hairs 2 2.5 mm, and fruit glabrous. Genetic differentiation between closely related Hesperis L. taxa and Matthiola W.T.Aiton was examined by molecular analyses of the ISSR. The chromosome number for Hesperis tosyaensis is 2n = 14. Information is also presented on its ecology and conservation status. In addition, Hesperis aspera E.Fourn. is treated as a synonym of Hesperis bicuspidata (Willd.) Poir.