Crocus thracicus (Iridaceae), a new species from north-western Turkey

Abstract

Crocus thracicus is described as a new species from Thrace, the European part of Turkey. The white form of this species was wrongly referred to an albino form of C. chrysanthus by Mathew in the Flora of Turkey. It grows in open stony places and in sparse Quercus sp. and Paliurus spina-christi clearings at elevations between 45-170 m. It is compared with the morphologically similar C. alexandri and C. weldenii. A description, detailed illustrations, photograps of metephase plate, karyotype and idiogram of new species are presented.