The sect. Tricheroides in the genus Knautia (Caprifoliaceae) is more complex than known: an unusual new species from Türkiye

During a biodiversity survey in the Western Taurus Mountains (Antalya, T & uuml;rkiye), a new species of the genus Knautia (Dipsacoideae, Caprifoliaceae), named K. sivridaghense , was discovered. This new species, characterized by its dwarf caespitose perennial habit, is found in rocky areas under mixed forests at elevations of 1400-1450 m. Knautia sivridaghense is distinguished from its morphologically similar species, K. goecmenii , especially by its dwarf caespitose perennial habit, unbranched stems, length of involucral bracts, and other floral characteristics. Our phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear ITS and chloroplast petN(ycf6)-psbM regions confirm its placement within sect. Tricheroides , contributing to the understanding of the complexity of the genus. In addition to introducing the new species, this study also underscores the need for further research to unravel the evolutionary history and speciation mechanisms within the genus Knautia .