Asperula anatolica (Rubiaceae), a new species from south-east Anatolia, Turkey

A new species, Asperula anatolica M.Ozturk (Rubiaceae), is described from south-east Turkey. A. anatolica grows on limestone bedrock, in Uludere District (C9 Sirnak Province). It is an endemic confined to south-east Anatolia, and it is related to A. comosa Schonb.-Tem in the section Cruciana. Asperula anatolica is distinct from a closely allied species, A. comosa, by its inflorescence, indumentum, corolla lobes and shape, bracts, bracteoles, internodes, seed coat surface, and pollen grains. Photos of the new species are provided, and observations on the population are discussed. Special attention is also given to its ecology and conservation status. In addition, pollen characteristics and mericarp surface features are examined by scanning electron microscope. The geographical distribution of A. anatolica and other related species are mapped.