Cynanchica paphlagonica (Rubiaceae, Rubieae), a new species from Türkiye based on morphology and phylogenetic data

Abstract

Cynanchica paphlagonica from Kastamonu Province (Türkiye) is described and illustrated. Detailed morphological observations and phylogenetic analysis place C. paphlagonica within a small monophyletic group of Anatolian-Pontic species. While the new species more closely resembles C. stricta in general morphology, it is distinguished by its habit, and inflorescence, corolla and mericarp characters. Cynanchica paphlagonica inhabits limestone cliffs and rocks, with its distribution limited to the Pınarbaşı district in Kastamonu Province. A single population comprising approximately 80 individuals is known so far, leading to its classification as Endangered (EN) following IUCN Red List Criteria. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.