Taxonomic Revision of Silene L. Sect.Brachypodae (Boiss.) Chowdhuri (Caryophyllaceae)

Abstract

Silene L. is one of the major genera of the Turkey fl ora, with 170 species presently known from the area [%40 endemic]. It includes several polymorphic and taxonomically problematic species. Brachypodae sect. consist of three species, which is endemic in Turkey except S. leptoclada. These species were compared morphologically and karyologically. Morphologically, stems, shape of leaves, calyx, fl owers, and fruit structure are examined and discussed. Some properties of the species haven’t been defi ned systematically in Flora of Turkey. Therefore morphological study was done by investigeting undefi ned properties. A univariate morphometric study revealed some valuable quantitive characters useful for the identifi cation of these species. Micromorphological features of seeds were investigated by SEM. The choromosome number of all these species was found to be 2n=24. Choromosome counts of three species are given for the fi rst time. In this study, extensive descriptions of morphological and karyological characteristic of sect were investigated. A new key provided, as well as new and detailed descriptions.