A taxonomic study of Silene goniocaula (Caryophyllaceae) complex in Iran

Abstract

By studying the type specimens and field works from <em>locus</em> <em>classicus</em>, it became clear that the two species of <em>Silene eremicana</em> and<em> S. goniocaula</em> which are considered as conspecific in the Flora Iranica are distinct species. <em>Silene</em> <em>commelinifolia</em> var. <em>isophylla</em> is considered as a synonym of <em>S. eremicana.</em> The numbers of herbarium specimens (voucher) are emended and the descriptions of each species are completed. The chromosome number of <em>S. eremicana</em>, 2n=4x=48 is reported for the first time. The karyotype of each species is presented.