Molecular and morphological survey on Campanula cremnophila (Campanulaceae), a new isophyllous species from Croatia

Abstract

Within the isophyllous group of Campanula ser. Garganicae, represented by species of prevalent Adriatic and Ionian distribution, a rare new endemic species named C. cremnophila is described and illustrated from Peljesac Peninsula and the nearby Elaphite islands of Olipa and Jakljan (southern Croatia). It is a chasmophyte growing on calcareous rocky crevices near the sea, showing close relationship with C. garganica from southern Italy. Phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast trnL–trnF data emphasized that C. cremnophila is distinct from other species of this group, forming a subclade with C. garganica and C. poscharskyana. The morphology, SEM microstructure of seeds and pollen grains, taxonomical relationships, ecology, conservation status of C. cremnophila, as well as an identification key including the species of the ser. Garganicae, are provided.