A new, highly endangered and restricted-range species of Parrya sect. Pseudoclausia, comb. nov. (Brassicaceae) from Western Tian Shan, Uzbekistan

Abstract

Parrya tojibaevii, a morphologically distinct species related to the taxa previously assigned to the genus Pseudoclausia, recognized herein as a section, is described and illustrated. The novelty, known from a few collections, is confined to a small and highly disturbed area around the confluence of Chatkal River with Charvak Reservoir (Western Tian Shan, Uzbekistan) and is morphologically closest to P. gracillima and P. mollissima. The new species can be assessed as critically endangered due to its very narrow and obviously shrinking range and habitat, an easy accessibility of known localities, and a growing threat from the construction of hydroelectric power station, roads and resorts, and also from recreation and grazing.