Stachys gaziantepensis (Lamiaceae), a New Species from South Anatolia, Turkey

Abstract

Stachys gaziantepensis species nova is de- scribed and illustrated. It exhibits general features of the section Infrarosularis. However, it differs from the other species of the section from Turkey by its slender appear- ance. In addition, while the other species of the section grow on limestone or serpentine rocks, the new species grows on marble rocks. Diagnostic characters of S. gaziantepensis from sect. Infrarosularis species, especially from its closest relative S. pumila and S. choruhensis with extreme distribution, are discussed. In addition to its more slender appearance, it differs from S. pumila by its indu- mentum, leaf shape, inflorescence, calyx size and shape, corolla size and colour; from S. choruhensis by its indu- mentum, stem ramification, leaf shape, inflorescence and corolla colour according to the observations. The accom- panying taxa within its habitat are given. The conservation status of the new species is also evaluated based on population density and possible threats within presently known locality.