New endemic species 'Marçalı Crocus' discovered in Muğla
As a result of scientific research conducted in Muğla's Menteşe district, a new endemic plant species previously unidentified in the world was discovered.
The newly proposed species named 'Marçalı Crocus' has been introduced into the scientific literature under the name Colchicum Varolii. Belonging to the Colchicaceae family, the species was named in honor of Prof. Dr. Ömer Varol, a faculty member of the Department of Biology at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Faculty of Science, due to its significant contributions to the Turkish flora.
The study, led by Dr. Hediye Aktaş Aytepe, a Biology Teacher at Muğla Science and Art Center, also involved Dr. Kenan Akbaş, a faculty member of the Department of Plant and Animal Production at Köyceğiz Vocational School, and educator Dr. Yeliz Değerli as researchers.
Within the scope of studies conducted on the Marçalı Mountain vegetation by researchers Dr. Hediye Aktaş Aytepe, Dr. Kenan Akbaş, and Dr. Yeliz Değerli, it was determined that the plant identified on Marçalı Mountain Meşelikyurt Hill within the boundaries of Menteşe district is a new species. It was announced that the endemic species 'Marçalı Crocus,' newly added to the scientific world, blooms in November.
Samples obtained within the research were thoroughly compared with literature records and herbarium (dried and pressed plant) materials for scientific examination. The examinations revealed that the plant differed from its close relatives by distinctive morphological features. The new species was reviewed and accepted for publication by Adansonia, one of the internationally respected botanical journals, and entered the scientific literature as Colchicum Varolii.
Turkey is considered one of the world's important centers of diversity for the genus Colchicum, with numerous endemic and limited distribution species. In the Illustrated Flora of Turkey, this genus is represented by a total of 48 taxa (classifications), 20 of which are endemic to Turkey.
The discovery of the new species once again highlighted that Muğla is an important center not only in terms of its historical and touristic values but also regarding biological diversity and scientific research. Experts emphasize that continued floristic studies in the region may pave the way for new discoveries.
Dr. Hediye Aktaş Aytepe, one of the researchers conducting the study, stated in her evaluation about the discovery of the new species, "Discovering a species is an extremely exciting situation scientifically. However, seeing that the same species is under the threat of extinction is equally thought-provoking. Therefore, increasing efforts towards the conservation of biological diversity is of great importance."
The newly discovered Colchicum Varolii, as a new addition to the Turkish flora, has secured its place in the scientific world and once again emphasized the importance of preserving Muğla's rich natural heritage.
