A New Species of the Genus Psephellus - Ozean Publications

Ozean Journal of Applied Sciences 2(1), 2009
Figure 2. Psephellus coruhensis. A. Habit and general view of type locality, B. Capitula, C. Flowers, D-
E. SEM images of the general shape and surface of achene, F-G. General aspect of achenes
and the detachment area (Photographs by A.Duran).
Distribution and suggested conservational status: The Çoruh Valley (Artvin province) is a very interesting
area for plant diversity because of microclimatic conditions (Fig. 3). Elements of the Mediterranean
phytogeographical region and a number of local endemic species grow there (see ‘Ecology’). This species
belongs to Europe-Siberian phytogeographic region. Psephellus coruhensis is an endemic species known
from four localities only in Yusufeli district (Artvin province); therefore, it is considered as ‘Endangered’
(criterion B1 a). The reduction of population size 80% because of the construction of the Yusufeli Dam on
the Çoruh River (criterion A3). Only one locality will be outside of the level of dam after Yusufeli Dam
project completely finished in nine years. This locality is “Artvin: Yusufeli, exit of Balaban village”.
Because of this it could also be categorized as ‘Critically Endangered’ (criterion B2) for its known ‘area of
occupancy’ of less than 2 km 2 , population size estimated to be fewer than 250 mature individuals (criterion
C) (IUCN, 2001).
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