A new species of Viola (Violaceae) from south-west Turkey

Viola dirimliensis Blaxland is described as a new annual species from south-west Turkey, belonging to section Melanium Gingins. It was found growing only on serpentinite, in two adjacent locations in Mula vilayet, west of Antalya, at altitudes of 1500-1690 m. The locations were typical serpentinite barrens, almost bare of vegetation, with some plants of Muscari macrocarpum, and a few trees of Pinus nigra var. caramanica. The Viola is named after the type location the Dermil Pass or Dirimli Gecidi, where the tiny plants were growing between the rocks on south-facing slopes. Their distinct golden-yellow flowers are unlike any of the other small annual Viola species found in Turkey. (C) 2004 The Linnean Society of London.