The genus Dionysia (Primulaceae), a synopsis （属狂欢节(报春花科),简介）.pdf

Willdenowia 37 – 2007 37 MAGNUS LIDÉN The genus Dionysia (Primulaceae), a synopsis and five new species Abstract Lidén, M.: The genus Dionysia (Primulaceae), a synopsis and five new species. – Willdenowia 37: 37-61. – ISSN 0511-9618; © 2007 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem. doi:10.3372/wi.37.37102 (available via /) Five new species of Dionysia are described (D. viva, D. zschummelii, D. crista-galli, D. zetterlundii and D. tacamahaca) from the Zagros mountains of W Iran. One subspecies (D. sarvestanica subsp. spatulata), one variety (D. gaubae var. macrantha) and two sections (D. sect. Zoroasteranthos and D. sect. Mucida) are also described as new. A revised classification of the genus is suggested and a complete list of species is provided, in which some emendations to previously published data are given. A dichotomous key to the species is presented. Key words: Iran, Zagros Mts, Primula, cushion primroses, taxonomy. Introduction The genus Dionysia Fenzl, belonging in Primula sensu lato, is a typically Irano-Turanian genus almost restricted to the rather dry mountains of the Flora Iranica area, from SE Anatolia and W Iran to Tadzhikistan and Afghanistan. Most species are cushion forming chasmophytes – in spring completely smothered in yellow, purple, violet or pink flowers – but some are more lax and “Primula looking”. Some species are very choosy about their habitat and only grow below over- hangs, whereas other species can be found also on slightly sloping rocks. In spite of being difficult to grow, a large number of species are cultivated by devoted specialists or in botanical gardens. When Per Wendelbo (1961a) revised the genus Dionysia, he recognised 28 species, but added several more in lat