Morphological properties and systematics of Cistus L. species in Turkey

In this study, morphological, systematic and palynological features of taxa belonging to Cistus L. (Shrubby rock-roses)/Cistaceae that are naturally distributed in Turkey were investigated. The data obtained from field studies and herbarium research between 2019-2021 were evaluated using classical taxonomy methods. The genus Cistus is represented by 5 taxa in the Flora of Turkey: Cistus creticus L., C. parviflorus Lam., C. laurifolius L., C. salviifolius L. and C. monspeliensis L. species. In addition to the known 5 species, Cistus x florentinus Lam. hybrid species was determined in this study. As a result, the number of taxa with natural distribution in Turkey has increased to 6. Within the scope of the study, approximately 150 samples were collected from 53 different populations from the field. In addition to these field samples, 588 samples from 8 herbariums in Turkey were examined under microscope and their measurements were made. In the study, up to date descriptions of the Turkish Cistus taxa were established and the identification keys were created based on these descriptions. Distribution maps for Turkey, comparative character tables and drawings of the species are also provided. Seed and pollen belonging to taxa were examined by light microscopy (IM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and seed and pollen morphology characteristics were determined. The aim of this thesis is to clarify the systematic status of the Turkish Cistus species and to contribute to the Illustrated Flora of Turkey, which is still being prepared.