Revision of genus Anchusa (Boraginaceae-Boragineae) in Greece

Abstract

Greece is a major centre of diversity of the genus Anchusa but the identity and taxonomic status of several species were still uncertain in the absence of revisions. The taxonomic account presented here is based on morphology, ecology, chorology and karyology. It relies on extensive field surveys of native populations and on the study of relevant herbarium material. Original descriptions, nomenclatural types, selected synonymy, distribution, habitat requirements and chromosome numbers are provided for each species and subspecies. Comments and notes are added on various aspects of the species. Eleven species of Anchusa occur in Greece: A. officinalis, A. procera, A. undulata, A. leucantha sp. nov., A. samothracica, A. cespitosa, A. azurea, A. strigosa, A. stylosa, A. thessala and A. aegyptiaca. The new species A. leucantha, endemic to a small area with ophiolitic outcrops in West Macedonia, is described. The following new combinations are proposed: A. officinalis L. ssp. intacta (Griseb.) Selvi & Bigazzi, A. undulata ssp. sartorii (Guşul.) Selvi & Bigazzi and A. stylosa M.Bieb. ssp. spruneri (Boiss.) Selvi & Bigazzi. A. macrosyrinx Rech. f., previously considered a Greek endemic, is shown to be a heterotypic synonym of A. undulata ssp. sartorii. A key to species is also provided.