SYSTEMATIC REVISION OF PICRIS L. (ASTERACEAE-CICHORIEAE) DISTRIBUTED IN THE RAWANDUZ (MRO) DISTRICT OF KURDISTAN REGION-IRAQ

The present research provides the first comprehensive and integrated taxonomic revision of Picris spp. distributed in the Rawanduz (MRO) district- Kurdistan Region- Iraq, a region where members of the genus have long been considered taxonomically challenging. Two species, the biennial to perennial Picris strigose and annual Picris kotschyi, were documented and examined using detailed morphological, micro-morphological, and anatomical analyses. Plant Materials were collected from natural populations representing different elevations, and a wide range of diagnostic characters were evaluated, including vegetative and reproductive morphology, trichome structure, achene features, ecological preferences, and geographical distribution within Iraq. Anatomical investigations, based on transverse section of stems, leaves, and peduncles, revealed several traits of diagnostic value, such as stomatal type, leaf thickness, vessel arrangement, vascular bundle number, and variation in the indumentum of vegetative and reproductive structures. Notably, the distinction between the two species was strongly supported by the number and structure of glochidiate hooked hairs, heteromorphism versus homomorphism of the achenes, peduncle morphology at fruiting, and the presence or absence of persistent basal collars. These features, when combined, provide reliable and consistent discrimination criteria, particularly in cases where flowering-stage materials alone are difficult to separate. The study also reports new local records for both species within the MRO district, including Halgurd mountain and Safin mountain, contributing to the regional understanding of Picris biogeography. Based on limited population sizes, habitat disturbance, and observed anthropogenic threats, both species are assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) in Iraq according to IUCN criteria. Overall, this work offers the most detailed and updated taxonomic account of Picris in the Kurdistan Region and highlights the importance of integrating morphological and anatomical evidence in resolving complex species boundaries.