Edaphic Relations of Cirsium cassium Davis & Parris (Asteraceae), a local endemic from Hatay (Turkey)

Abstract

This study was carried out during 2012-2015. Our aim was to determine the soil-plant relationships of Cirsium cassium distributed in Hatay province of Turkey. This local endemic species was collected from three different localities in Hatay. The analysis of soil samples revealed that this endemic plant prefers clayey-loam, nonsaline, slightly alkaline soils with a high lime content. The nitrogen and potassium contents are of sufficient level but the soils are rich in phosphorus. Analysis of root, stem and leaf shows that nitrogen and phosphorus are below normal values in all plant organs; sodium is above the normal value in all plant parts. The potassium is below normal values in root and stem, but above normal values in leaf.