Taxonomic monograph of the tribe Nigelleae (Ranunculaceae): a group including ancient medicinal plants

Authors: ALİ ASLAN DÖNMEZ, ZÜBEYDE UĞURLU AYDIN, EMEL OYBAK DÖNMEZ

Abstract: The tribe Nigelleae Schröd. (Ranunculaceae) worldwide distribution has been studied taxonomically, based on morphological, palynological and seed morphological characters, as well as chromosome counts. Extensive field works have been carried out in Turkey, Greece, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Portugal and in Northern Cyprus. Moreover, the specimens of major herbaria in Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, Syria and Iran as well in Europe have been examined. This study represents the most comprehensive monograph of the tribe based on field work across its nearly entire distributional range, complemented by examination of over 980 specimens from 25 herbaria and our collections with nomenclatural contributions. Eighteen species are recognized under three genera, namely Garidella Tourn. ex L. (2 speices), Komaroffia Kuntze (2), and Nigella L. (14). Four new combinations have been proposed here as Komaroffia bucharica (Schipcz.) Dönmez, Nigella arvensis L. var. aristata (Sibthorp & Smith) Dönmez & Uğurlu, N. oxypetala Boiss. var. latisecta (P.H.Davis) Dönmez & Uğurlu and N. oxypetala var. lancifolia (Hub.-Mor.) Dönmez & Uğurlu. Status of three names have been changed. Lectotypes of Komaroffia integrifolia and K. bucharica have been selected and incorrect lectotypification for K. bucharica is discussed. Twenty new synonyms have been proposed here, most of which belong to the Nigella arvensis complex. Although there are various generic and infrageneric treatments of Komaroffia and Garidella, both of them have been recognized here as separate genera in the tribe Nigelleae as they were accepted by some previous authors. Keys for identifiying the genera, species and infraspecific taxa have been prepared. Chromosome numbers are given, based on our novel data and the pertinent literature. Additionally, descriptions, synonymies, water colour illustrations, distribution maps, taxonomic notes and lists of all specimens examined are provided for each taxon. Based on the literature, herbarium specimens and field observations, IUCN threat categories have been proposed for the taxa.

Keywords: Chromosome, Garidella, Komaroffia, Nigella, pollen, taxonomy

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