A contribution to the taxonomic delimitation of Tulipa armena (Liliaceae) and a key to the Iranian species

Abstract

During the preparation of the treatment of the genus Tulipa for the Flora of Iran, a problem was encountered in the delimitation of species linked to T. schrenkii by previous authors. These include the taxa T. armena, T. faribae and T. gesneriana sensu Hall, which are similar in tunic hairiness and perianth size and colour. The most important herbaria of Iran were visited and the species of the genus were studied in the field during excursions to different parts of Iran. Based on available materials, including herbarium specimens, type specimens photographs and comparison with descriptions, the following results were obtained. T. schrenkii was not found in Iran, although previously recorded in the Flora Iranica. T. armena is recognized from Iran and is well distributed there. The taxa previously recognized as T. faribae and T. gesneriana sensu Hall cannot be distinguished from T. armena and the later name T. faribae thus becomes a synonym. A key is provided to the twelve species recognized for Iran.