TAXONOMIC STUDY ON PAEONIA L.,1753 (PAEONIACEAE) FROM IRAQ

The primary aim of this investigation is to update the taxonomy of the genus Paeonia L.,1753 (Paeoniaceae) in Iraq based on morphological characteristics, anatomical features, ecological notes, and geographic distribution using, geographic information systems (GIS). The results showed that the genus in Iraq contains only one subspecies, P. mascula subsp. mascula (L.) Mill.,1768 a perennial herbs less than 80 cm tall with ascending, cylindrical, glabrous stems, showy flowers, and underground carrot-shaped tuber roots. Anatomical analysis reveals anomocytic stomata with an elliptical or rectangular apparatus, a hypostomatic leaf, a stomatal index of 26.2%, and a stomatal density of 51 per mm2. A cross-section of the leaf blade and midrib shows a bifacial leaf, and the internal leaf blade has a single, sizable, crescent-shaped vascular bundle. The cross-sections of the stem are circular, with many regular vascular bundles, and lack unicellular trichomes. Anticlinal wall patterns are strong and wavy, and the leaf epidermal cell shapes are irregular. Paeonies in Iraq inhabit only high-elevation highlands, thriving in rocky, limestone humus soils on the northern slopes of mountains within open oak forests. Geographic distribution and GIS analysis show the paeony plants grow are found only in two mountainous districts (Amadiya and Rowandouz). For the first time, this investigation in has Iraq documented six more places within the first district and two locations in the latter district. This investigation may lead to a taxonomic key for the wild paeony plants and provide a new perspective on Iraqi peony flora.