News from Janis Ruksans with links for important new Crocus papers :
"For all Croconuts : Just are published excellent article from Dorte Harpke and HKEP about morphology and development of Crocus plants. Nothing so complete was seen before!
And another one - with 6 more new species - still not studied the last but you can download both on......"
http://www.zobodat.at/pdf/STAPFIA_0103_0027-0065.pdf - The Genus Crocus (Liliiflorae, Iridaceae): Lifecycle,
Morphology, Phenotypic Characteristics, and Taxonomical Relevant Parameters.
Helmut Kerndorff, Erich Pasche & Dörte Harpke
Abstract: The genus Crocus L. was studied by the authors for more than 30 years in nature as well as in
cultivation. Since 1982 when the last review of the genus was published by Brian Mathew many new taxa
were found and work dealing with special parameters of Crocus, like the Calcium-oxalate crystals in the
corm tunics, were published. Introducing molecular-systematic analyses to the genus brought a completely
new understanding of Crocus that presents itself now far away from being small and easy-structured. This
work was initiated by the idea that a detailed study accompanied by drawings and photographs is necessary
to widen and sharpen the view for the important details of the genus. Therefore we look at the life-cycle
of the plants as well as at important morphological and phenotypical characteristics of Crocus. Especially
important to us is the explained determination of relevant taxonomical parameters which are necessary for
a mistake-free identification of the rapidly increasing numbers of discovered species and for the creation of
determination keys.
Key words: Crocus, life-cycle, morphology, phenotypic characteristics, morphometry, taxonomical relevant
parameter.
http://www.zobodat.at/pdf/STAPFIA_0103_0067-0080.pdf - Crocus lyciotauricus Kerndorff & Pasche
Helmut Kerndorff, Erich Pasche & Dörte Harpke
(Liliiflorae, Iridaceae) and its relatives
Abstract: Results of molecular analyses in the genus Crocus clarified several phylogenetic problems. Section
Nudiscapus presents itself now exceedingly complex and taxonomical as well as systematic corrections are
necessary. This is true e.g. for many taxa previously thought to belong to series Biflori. One group of species
turned out to be rather homogenous in respect of morphological similarities as well as geographical distribution
of their members. For these we establish a new series in the genus which is called Lyciotauri due to the fact that
its species predominantly occur in the Lycian Taurus Mountains. Genetics, geographical distribution as well as
morphological measurements are presented.
Key words: Crocus, phylogeny, new series Lyciotauri, new species
Crocus akkayaensis, C. katrancensis, C.
bowlesianus, C. akdagensis, C. salurdagensis, C. xanthosus.
