Taraxacum sandomiriense (sect. Erythrosperma, Asteraceae), a new species from Poland

Abstract

Taraxacum sandomiriense Wolanin, a new species of Taraxacum sect. Erythrosperma from Poland is described. It is a triploid (2n=24) characterized by strongly corniculated inner bracts, brown-colored achenes and distinctly haired leaves. It is an extremely rare taxon found in the xerothermic plant communities in the Świętokrzyskie Province. The species conservation assessment for T. sandomiriense determines its threat status as Critically Endangered, since it consists of three populations with a very small number of individuals. A detailed species description, photographs, distribution map, notes on ecology and chorology are provided.