Ajania semnanensis sp nov (Asteraceae-Anthemideae), from northeast Iran: insights from karyological and micromorphological data

Ajania semnanensis (Compositae: Anthemideae), a new species of Ajania from northeast of Iran, Semnan province, is described and illustrated. Ajania semnanensis is a suffruticose perennial growing on rocky and stony slopes of mountains at altitudes of 1500-2800 m a.s.l. Karyological and micromorphological data of the pollen and achenes, as well as a distribution map for the species are provided. The cytotype of the species was found to be diploid (2n = 2x = 18) based on x = 9. The karyotype formula is 2n = 2x = 4M + 6m + 6sm + 2st. Pollen grains of A. semnanensis are prolate-spheroidal (P/E = 1.1), 3-zonocolporate and echinate (Anthemis type). The achenes of A. semnanensis are obovate, 1.0-1.5 x 0.5-0.6 mm, light brown, with 4-6 fine and inconspicuous ribs, glabrous, without pappus and with a subbasal carpopodium. The IUCN status of the new species is suggested to be Least Concern' (LC).