Iris bucharica (Iridaceae): A century of confusion is resolved with the description of I. chrysopetala, a new species from southern Central Asia
Abstract
Plants with golden yellow flowers were originally described from the Pamir-Alai as Iris orchioides but subsequently considered a colour form of I. bucharica, whereas the name I. orchioides was erroneously transferred to a yellow-flowered species of the Tian-Shan. The golden-flowered plants differ from the type of I. bucharica (which is prominently bicoloured with yellow falls and white claws and standards) also in the habit and the shape and size of their outer and inner tepals, and should be considered taxonomically separate. Due to nomenclatural reasons this species is described here as new to science, I. chrysopetala. The new species occurs in Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan; its occurrence in the neighbouring Turkmenistan is likely. The group of I. bucharica s.l. is taxonomically and nomenclaturally revised, and an updated synopsis is provided with descriptions and point maps based on herbarium specimens and documented observations.
