Determination of ecobiological characteristics of some endemic Gypsophila L. species

The Caryophyllaceae family is an important plant family consisting of herbaceous or rarely semi-shrub plants, showing great diversity in flower structures and having a wide distribution throughout the world. There are 35 genera and 470 species belonging to this family in Turkey, and the Gypsophila genus stands out as the third largest genus of this family. Of the 55 Gypsophila species growing in our country, 33 are endemic and the majority of these species are distributed in the Central Anatolia and Eastern Anatolia regions. In this study, morphological and ecological analyses were carried out on the species Gypsophila simonii, Gypsophila oblanceolata and Gypsophila germanicopolitana. As a result of morphological examinations, the flower structures, leaf morphology, flowering periods and habitat conditions of these species were defined in detail. It was determined that G. simonii in particular exhibited a significantly high endemism rate in narrow habitat areas. In soil properties analyses, it was determined that the habitats sampled were generally medium textured, calcium carbonate rich, slightly alkaline soils. It was also determined that micronutrient elements were at a medium level, but organic matter content was low. This situation emphasizes the ability of Gypsophila species to adapt to extreme habitat conditions. Our research aims to contribute to the solution of systematic and taxonomic problems of Gypsophila species in the Flora of Turkey and to raise awareness for the protection of these species. Our study provides important information that will shed light on both botanical science and industrial uses related to Gypsophila species. In this respect, it is a valuable step for the understanding and protection of our country's biological diversity.