A new species of Hedysarum (Fabaceae) in Iran and other new Hedysarum records

Abstract

Hedysarum al-shehbazii, a new species endemic to Iran, is described and illustrated. This species belongs to Hedysarum section Multicaulia. It is confined to the western part of Iran (Kermanshah Province), and is known from a single population close to the Iraq frontier, although possibly also growing in the adjoining eastern part of Iraq. The conservation status of this species is 'vulnerable' according to World Conservation Union (IUCN) criteria. In addition, H. varium and H. syricum are reported as new records from a single gathering close to the Turkish frontier. Moreover, H. kotschyi and H. pogonocarpum are transferred from Hedysarum section Crinifera to Hedysarum section Multicaulia. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London.