THE IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
Year:2002 | Volume:9 | Issue:2|Papers Count:25

Noteworthy species of the genus Astragalus sect. Caprini DC., i. e., A. aliomranii and A. saremii are described from Iran.

SDS-PAGE protein analysis was performed in 16 populations of 6 Stipa species in order to determine the use of such data in taxonomy and elucidating the species inter-relationships. In total 29 protein bands were obtained, some of which were common to all the species while some were species specific. Intra-specific protein variation was observed in some of the species. Cluster analysis of protein data showed distinctness of the species studied and also supported the species inter-relationships revealed by morphological characters.

Morphological data from Linum species were analyzed to evaluate taxonomic grouping of the genus Linum in Iran. The study was based on fresh materials from field as well as herbarium specimens. Thirty six characters were used. Grouping of the species was carried out by using single linkage clusters, were recognized in phonogram. The four clusters are more or fewer equivalents to the sections are known from the genus.

Seed storage proteins were studied by using SDS-PAGE in 14 populations of two Alhagi species, namely A. graecorum Boiss. And A. pseudalhagi (M. B.) Desv. In total 11 protein bands were obtained among which, bands 1,2,4,5, 7, 9 and 10 were common in all the taxa studied while band 3 is specific in Mehran population of A. graecorum. Cluster analysis of protein data revealed that such data may not be useful in differentiating the two Alhagi species, however they can be used in revealing the inter-population variation.

Cytophotodensitometric estimation of 4C DNA content in root tip cells and karyotype analysis were carried out in ten cultivars of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Somatic chromosome number was 2n=16 in all the cultivars. Detailed karyotype analysis revealed cultivar specific chromosomal characteristics and minute structural alterations in chromosomes of the genome. The 4C DNA content varied significantly from 9.116pg in the cultivar TG-41 to 12.420 pg in TG-03. Significant variations in the chromosome length and volume and total form percentage (TF%) were noted at cultivar level. Correlation coefficient studies revealed interdependence between the chromosome volume and nuclear DNA content of the varieties. Variations in chromosome structure and the nuclear DNA content despite the same somatic chromosome number suggest micro-evolution leading to the development of new cultivars.

Cousinia zardkuhensis, C. shulabadensis and C. khorrramabadensis var. purpurea are described as new taxa from Bakhtiari and Lorestan provinces. Cousinia carduchorum and C. myriolepis are recorded for the first time in Iran. Also Cousinia radians which had been considered as a doubtful species is confirmed to be a good species.

Two interesting coastal species, Eleocharis caduca (Delile) Schultes and Carex extensa Good. are reported as new records for the flora of Iran. These species have been collected from the coastal line of Langerud -Lahijan in Gilan province, Iran. Characteristics and geographical distribution of the species are presented. Eleocharis caduca is compared with closely related species, Eleocharis geniculata (L.) Roemer & Schultes. Distribution of Carex extensa in Asia is also presented in the map.

Erodium litvinovii belongs to the family of Geraniaceae and is recorded as new species from Iran. This species was collected from eastern parts of Khorassan province, and is distinguished from its close species E. oxyrrhychum M. B. by fruit characters.

Karyotypic observations showed that 4 species including O. scorbiculata, O. melanotricha, O. aucheri subsp. teheranica and O. oxyptera have 2n=16 chromosomes and according to the basic number of x=8, they are diploids. O. oxyptera has got the least total length (31.07) and average chromosome length (3.88) but the most TF% of 36.43% which refers to its most asymmetrical karyotype. The karyotypes can be divided as 1A (O. scorbiculata and O. melanotricha), 1 B (O. aucheri subsp. teheranica) and 2B (O. oxyptera) due to Stebbins classification.

Nardus stricta (Poaceae: Nardeae) as a new report and Melilotus neapolitana (Popilionaceae) as an inter-esting plant are recorded from Iran. Exact localities based on herbarium specimens are given and geo-graphical destribution ofthe plants are explained.

Two species of Veronica i.e. V. avromanica and V. magna are rare taxa in Iran. New localities are given and the ecology of these species is described. V. avromanica is illustrated for the first time.

The micromorphology and distribution of trichomes in leaf surfaces of species belonging to Morus, Ficus, Broussonetia and Maclura which are native or cultivated in Iran were studied. Three types of trichomes including; glandular, nonglandular and cystolith trichomes showed characteristic features in these genera of Moraceae. Glandular trichomes are usually with short stalk and spherical or elongated head. The non-glandular trichomes are unicellular but differentiated into 3 types as large, bristle and bracket types. Cystolith trichomes with swollen base and mucronate apex are also present.

A new species of the genus Astragalus sect. Caprini DC. i. e., A. shahsavarii is described from Iran. The new species is compared with its relative A. gypsaceus.

Taxonomic aspects of the genus Medicago L. in Iran were studied. Among the 2500 herbarium sheets and dried fruit samples of 150 populations, 22 species and subspecies were identified. New subsection Astrocalyx I. Mehregan (from the section Spirocarpos Seringe in DC.) and new combination, M. rigidula subsp. sinskiae (Uljanova) I. Mehregan & M. R. Rahiminejad are introduced. Also, two species and one subspecies are mentioned as new records from Iran.

Cousinia apiculata, C. raddeana and Scutellaria lindbergii which have been collected from Khorasan province are reported as new species to Iran.

Heliotropium curassavicum L. is a new report for the flora of Iran. It is a weed and it has been collected in a weedy habitat is SW. Iran, Khuzestan province.

Crocus danfordiae Maw subsp. kurdistanicus is described as a new subspecies. It is very well distinguished from the typical subspecies by having pure shiny yello perianth segments. Amberboa glauca, Laserpitium carduchorum and Lathyrus brachypterus var. haussknechtii are recorded from Iran for the first time. Ranunculus lingua which was only recorded from N. Iran, is recorded now from W. Iran. Kurdistan province.

Chromosome numbers of three native species of Prosopis are presented. They include first counts from Iran for Prosopis cineraria and Prosopis farcta, both of which show diploidy by 2n= 28, and first record of Prosopis koelziana show diploidy and tetraploidy. Chromosomes were counted from thirty populations of Prosopis distributed in South Iran.

The new species Alcea ghahremanii is described from NW of Iran and two species are new records for the flora of Iran. They are including Alcea arbelensis from West and A. kopetdaghensis, from NE of Iran. Geographical distribution of the species is discussed.

Elymus lazicus subsp. attenuatiglumis collected in the expedition to the Ardabil province, is reported as a new record from Iran.

Spiraea sheikhii is described as a new species, from N. Iran. It is well characterized by corymbiform inflorescence, orbicular-ovate leaves, rose petals and densely pilose branches and corymbs. The new species seems to be related to S. trilobata and S. pilosa and it is compared with them.

Cyperus imbricatus Retz. Collected in Astara (Gilan province) is reported as a new record from Iran.

The foliar anatomy of genus Carex (Cyperaceae) from the Arasbaran protected area was studied under the light microscope. The following species have been analysed: C. distans, C. divisa, C. divulsa, C. halleriana, C. liparocarpos, C. nigra, C. pallescens.