A new species of Veronica (Plantaginaceae) from Eastern Türkiye: The first gypsophyte species in the genus
Phytotaxa, vol.773, no.2, pp.149-161, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 773 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.11646/phytotaxa.773.2.4
- Journal Name: Phytotaxa
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Zoological Record
- Page Numbers: pp.149-161
- Keywords: Endemic, Erzincan, Gypsophyte, Plantaginaceae, Türkiye, Veronica subg. Pentasepalae
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
A new species, Veronica gypsicola (Plantaginaceae), is described and illustrated. It’s the first gypsophyte species in the genus and grows in a mountainous area with gypsum substrate, which is located in Erzincan province in Eastern Türkiye. Gypsum habitats is primarily centered within the Central and Eastern Anatolia in Türkiye and generally considered as “edaphic islands”, which are unique ecological hotspots characterized by high levels of endemism and specialized plant adaptations. The new species is morphologically unique in the genus, which is likely associated with the unique habitat. Its habit reminds of V. cetikiana and some variants of V. orientalis but it can easily distinguished by its erect habit, glabrous leaves, entire leaf margins and elongated glabrous capsules.