Systematic revision of the genus Gagea Salisb. (Liliaceae) in Iran
Zarrei, M.; Zarre, S.; Wilkin, P.; Rix, M.
Botanical journal of the Linnean Society 154(4): 559-588
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-4074 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8339.2007.00678.x
Accession: 017237173
This paper presents a systematic revision of Gagea Salisb. in Iran, which is a genus of bulbous perennials widely distributed in alpine and subalpine regions across Eurasia and North Africa. The plants of many Gagea species grow in seasonally moist soils with a high percentage of clay. These studies are based on extensive field work and study of herbarium specimens in all herbaria of Iran and the most important in the United Kingdom. In all, nearly 2000 specimens have been studied. Complete synonymy, descriptions, notes on taxonomy, geographical distribution, conservation status, habitats of species and an enumeration of selected material studied is given for each species. A key for the identification of flowering specimens of the accepted species is provided. The largest mountain ranges of Iran, i.e. Alborz and Zagros, are important centres of diversity for Gagea. In Iran, there are 26 species of the genus, of which G. chanae Grossh. and G. commutata K.Koch are presented here as new records. We consider G. anonyma Rech.f., G. grey-wilsonii Rech.f., G. ova Stapf and G. tehranica Gand. to be synonymous with G. setifolia Baker, G. chlorantha (M.Bieb.) Schult. & Schult. f., G. stipitata Merckl. ex Bunge and G. reticulata (Pall.) Salisb., respectively. Gagea perpusilla Pascher is another new synonym of G. setifolia.
