MORPHOLOGY AND ECOLOGY OF THE ENDEMIC CROCUS FLAVUS SUBSP. DISSECTUS DISTRIBUTED IN ESKİŞEHİR, TÜRKİYE

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the morphological variation, habitat preferences, and mineral content of Crocus flavus Weston subsp. dissectus T.Baytop & B.Mathew, an endemic and vulnerable (VU) taxon of the Turkish flora. Focusing on populations in the Eskişehir region, our research offers a current morphological characterization that refines the diagnostic boundaries provided in the Flora of Turkey. Statistical analysis of 35 representative specimens indicates that floral traits, specifically stigma, style (CV: 9.43%), and anther (CV: 10.43%) lengths, exhibit the highest taxonomic reliability due to their low phenotypic plasticity. Conversely, vegetative organs like pedicels and spathes show higher variability. Edaphic data reveal a preference for well-drained, non-saline, and slightly alkaline soils with low lime content. Furthermore, ash analysis demonstrates a significant mineral accumulation in the corm (69.70%), exceeding above-ground organs by approximately 2.5-fold. Consequently, this study fills gaps in the literature regarding the taxonomically complex genus Crocus and provides a novel dataset for conservation strategies and future taxonomic revisions.