Distribution of Ferula anatolica Boiss. and pollination biology

Ferula anatolica (Apiaceae) were studied on the distribution area and pollination biology. This taxon is endemic to Turkey, only known from Manisa/Alasehir. In this study, we discovered new populations in Izmir and Aydın. The total number of individuals were counted as 596 in all population, 340 of them are mature individuals. Potential distribution area (extent of occurrence) is 1500 km2, area of occupancy is 4.31 km2. According to these data; IUCN threat category has been updated as EN B1bc (III, IV). There are hierarchial order in umbels, like as most at Apiaceae taxa. It was observed that central umbels contain more hermaphrodite flowers from the lateral umbels which are also branching and can act as a cental umbels. Accordingly, was made a model for plant. Male flowers have been found to be more than the hermaphrodite flowers. This suggests that plant is andromonoecious. The potential yield of plants were counted as 13.9 %. Actual yield calculation was made for the sum of all individuals in the population. The results of the observations of pollinators of F. anatolica in Izmir/Tire and Manisa/Alaşehir, has been identified 21 insect visitors taxa. 6 of them were identified as effective pollinators. In Izmir/Tire; Apis mellifera, Gorytes quinquecinctus and Chrysura smyrnensis were identified as effective pollinators. In Manisa/Alaşehir; A. melifera, Eristalis tenax, Gonia bimaculara and Cynomya sp. were identified as effective pollinators. A. mellifera is the common effective pollinators in two population.