One New Species of the Genus Edraianthus, and a Change in Taxonomic Status for Edraianthus serpyllifolius f. pilosulus (Campanualceae) from the Balkan Peninsula

Abstract

A new species, Edraianthus pulevicii (Campanulaceae), endemic to the Durmitor mountain range (SE Dinaric Alps, Montenegro, Balkan Peninsula) is described and illustrated. Additionally, specific rank is proposed for E. serpyllifolius f. pilosulus from the Komovi Mts. (NW Prokletije mountain range, Montenegro, Balkan Peninsula), E. pilosulus. Both are morphologically similar to E. serpyllifolius s. s., all having spathulate leaves. Edraianthus pulevicii differs from E. serpyllifolius s. s. in having distinctly crenate as well as much longer and broader basal and cauline leaves with indumentum on the upper side, hairs on the leaf margin and leaf surface oriented towards the leaf base, broader and longer bracts, and revolute calyx lobes reflexed at the apex. Edraianthus pilosulus is morphologically similar to both E. serpyllifolius and E. pulevicii but differs from the former in having more or less dense hairs on the upper side of the leaves, and from the latter in having considerably smaller basal and cauline leaves with no or sparse crenation, hairs on the leaf margin and the leaf surface oriented towards the point, and narrower bracts. A new systematic treatment is supported by chloroplast DNA sequence data and AFLP fingerprinting data. A distribution map and a key to Edraianthus taxa with spathulate leaves are provided and the name Edraianthus sutjeskae is validated.