Rhaponticoides gokceoglui (Asteraceae), a striking new species from Turkey

Abstract

Rhaponticoides gokceoglui is described as a species new to science. Its affinities within the genus are discussed. The new species is closely related to R. wagenitziana and R. aytachii from which we delimit it. Rhaponticoides gokceoglui is readily distinguished from those species by its entirely leafy stem, lacking a distinct appendage on phyllaries, ovate outer and ovate-oblong to oblong middle phyllaries with a very narrow scarious margin, and inner phyllaries cucullate at apex only. Habitat conditions and conservation status of R. gokceoglui are considered. Finally, a distribution map and a key to the pinkish-flowered species of Rhaponticoides in Turkey are provided.