New distribution record of Scrophularia xylorrhiza Boiss. & Hausskn. ex Boiss. ( Scrophulariaceae ) from Saudi Arabia

During recent field surveys in the greater Jabal Qaraqir area of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve (PMBSRR) in northwestern Saudi Arabia specimens of Scrophularia xylorrhiza Boiss. & Hausskn. ex Boiss. were discovered. These specimens are confirmed with herbarium recorded deposited at the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew and represent a new distributional record for this species extending the current known range into Saudi Arabia. While previously Scrophularia xylorrhiza was already known from neighbouring countries, (Türkiye, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, and Sinai), it had not previously been confirmed from Saudi Arabia. This manuscript provides a detailed botanical description along with habitat details of Scrophularia xylorrhiza in Saudi Arabia. The conservation status of the species within Saudi Arabia is assessed here as data deficient.