Systematic analysis and taxonomy of the genus Glycyrrhiza L. (Licorice) in the Flora of Azerbaijan (Legumes Fabaceae)

In this paper, modern taxonomic status and systematic structural features of the genus GlycyrrhizaL. (Licorice) in the flora of Azerbaijan is provided. There are different opinions about the distribution of this genus in the flora of Azerbaijan. According to the work on the flora of Azerbaijan, 5 species (G. glabra, G. asperula, G. echinata, G. glandulifera, G. foetidissma) are recorded in this region but, in the flora synopsis of the Caucasus, the following 5 species are listed: G. glabra, G. asperula, G. echinata, G. macedonica, and G. foetidissima; finally, according to World flora online, the genus Glycyrrhiza is represented in Azerbaijan by 3 species with many variations and synonyms: G. glabra (sweet licorice), G. asperula (wrinkled licorice) and G. echinata (pumpkin licorice). Furthermore, we found the following variations of G. glabra in the flora of Azerbaijan: G. glabra var. caduca X.Y. Li., G. glabra var. glabra, and G. glandulifera Waldst. et Kit. One additional species cultivated in Azerbaijan, G. uralensis Fisch ex DC. (Ural licorice), has already spread in nature. Identification on key information about the wild species are detailed in the paper.