A NEW SPECIES OF THE GENUS SAPONARIA L. (CARYOPHYLLACEAE) IN IRAN

Saponaria species are very similar morphologically so that their taxonomy has been challenging subject for a long time. In order to clarify the taxonomy of the genus, materials deposited in the herbaria (TARI, IRAN and FUMH) of Iran were examined. The Micromorphological characters of the seed and pollen grains were studied and evaluated as possible taxonomic characteristics of the genus. Among the studied specimens a new species (Saponaria iranica) to the science was identified which will be described here. This new species has been collected from Kerman Province and is closely related to S. orientalis and S. viscosa. An identification key to the species of the genus Saponaria in Iran is presented.