Taxonomic assessment of Draba cuspidata and related taxa (Brassicaceae): Morphological and phylogenetic evidence from a newly discovered population in Türkiye

During botanical surveys on Yaralıgöz Mountain (Kastamonu Province, northern Türkiye), a population belonging to the Draba aizoides L. complex was discovered. Its taxonomic identity was determined by a detailed morphological analysis and its phylogenetic position was estimated by nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Based on morphological evidence, the Turkish population most likely corresponds to Draba cuspidata M. Bieb. Although the molecular data remain phylogenetically neutral regarding species-level resolution, they confirm the placement of this population within the D. aizoides complex, remaining compatible with the morphological assignment. This study provides the first confirmed record of D. cuspidata in Türkiye, considerably extending its known distribution from the Crimean Peninsula to northwestern Anatolia. Additionally, an updated distribution map and a preliminary IUCN conservation assessment are provided.