Silene schizopetala (Caryophyllaceae), a new record for the flora of Türkiye

During the floristic surveys conducted in the northern parts of Diyarbakır and Mardin provinces, located in southeastern Turkiye, two small populations of Silene schizopetala Bornm. (Caryophyllaceae) were discovered. Previously known as an endemic species native to northern Iraq, this species is identified as a new record for the flora of Turkiye. Silene schizopetala shows morphological similarities with S. simsii F. Jafari, Rabeler & Oxelman., S. physalodes Boiss. and S. lacera (Steven) Sims, which all are included in sect. Fimbriatae. A dichotomous key is presented for the identification of these closely related species. Additionally, a detailed description, diagnostic comparisons to morphologically similar taxa, and a general distribution map are provided.