Revision of the genus Crataegus in the East and Northeast of Iran

Abstract

Morphological, numerical and chemical taxonomy of the genus<em> Crataegus</em> was studied in the East and northeast of Iran. More than 80 fresh specimens as well as 50 herbarium specimens from different localities were examind. Using vegetative and reproductive morphological characters an identification key is provided for all taxa. For numerical taxonomy 85 morphological characters were measured and the data were analysed by UPGMA method using NTSYS software. In chemotaxonomical study using paper chromatography, about 41 flavonoid spots were recognised by UV ray and UV+NH₃ steam. The results showed the studied taxa can be classified into one section (sect. <em>Crataegus</em>), five series (ser. <em>Crataegus</em>, ser. <em>Erianthae</em>, ser<em>.Orientales</em>, ser. <em>Pentagyna </em>and ser.<em> Microphyllae</em>), and 13 taxa at species and infra-species level.