Tulipa scardica (Balkan endemic) was last recorded in Greece in 1896, possibly attributed to longstanding taxonomic ambiguity, as it has frequently been considered as conspecific with T. gesneriana or T. undulatifolia. In the present study we aimed to investigate the historical Greek locality of T. scardica and to reassess its taxonomic status in comparison with the closely related T. undulatifolia (also native to Greece and member of T. scardica complex). Targeted field surveys were conducted to verify the presence of T. scardica in Greece. The newly identified tulip population was subjected to an integrated analytic approach, including qualitative and quantitative morphological assessment, seed micromorphology, DNA barcoding, karyological investigation, and habitat/soil properties analyses. These datasets were comparatively evaluated against four reference populations of T. undulatifolia. Molecular data did not provide consistent species-level resolution, whereas morphological and karyological evidence statistically supported their distinction. Mitotic metaphase chromosomes of T. scardica were documented herein for the first time, while first-time scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the presence of different types of stomatal complexes in seed coats of both taxa. In addition, soil parameters differed between the examined taxa, and those of the rediscovered population were consistent with habitat preferences of T. scardica. Although both taxa exhibited considerable variability, the combined evidence derived from the present study strongly supported the rediscovery of T. scardica in Greece after approximately 130 years, unless proven otherwise in a wider context across its Balkan range.

Background and aims – The genus Allium exhibits extensive diversification in the Mediterranean Basin, where insular endemism and polyploidy have played a significant role in species evolution. During taxonomic and biosystematic studies of A. sect. Codonoprasum , an undescribed species was discovered on the volcanic islands of Milos and Antimilos (Kiklades, Greece). This study aims to determine its taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships using an integrative approach. Material and methods – The new species was investigated using comparative morphology, leaf anatomy, karyological analyses, genome size estimation by flow cytometry, and phylogenetic reconstruction based on nrITS sequence data. These data were compared with those of closely related species, particularly A. occultum , as well as other representatives of A. sect. Codonoprasum from Europe and the Mediterranean region. Key results – Allium erimomeli is described here as a new species. Karyological and flow cytometric analyses revealed a hexaploid chromosome complement (2 n = 6 x = 48) with a mean genome size of 46.2 pg. Phylogenetic reconstruction recovered the species as a strongly supported clade sister to the tetraploid A. occultum . Despite their close phylogenetic relationship, the two taxa differ in ploidy level, genome size, and diagnostic morphological characters, primarily relating to the bulb, leaves, and ovary. Additional differentiation is supported by leaf anatomy. Morphological characters were also compared with those of A. sibthorpianum and A. rumelicum . Conclusion – The recognition of A. erimomeli as a distinct species emphasizes the significance of polyploidy and insular isolation in the diversification of A. sect. Codonoprasum in the Aegean region. These findings further enhance our understanding of evolutionary relationships within the section and call for expanded phylogenetic and cytogenetic sampling across the eastern Mediterranean region.

This study presents an innovative and interdisciplinary didactic approach for teaching biodiversity to high school students, aiming to enhance basic learning skills and promoting deeper understanding of biological concepts. The designed educational proposal aims to support policy-driven collaboration between schools and botanical gardens within the framework of coordinated and long-term educational policies. The intervention was designed to cultivate both cognitive and metacognitive skills within three (3) didactic hours, offering a holistic learning experience through the study of Tulipa members used as an alluring model. A total of 168 Greek first- and second-grade high school students (on average 16 years old) participated in the study. Biodiversity was examined in a multidisciplinary fashion, focusing on species’ diversity (phenotypic), genetic-karyological diversity, and habitat diversity. The core components of the approach included: (a) the completion of a corresponding worksheet module, which effectively engaged students in the learning process using the 5E didactic model, and (b) a karyotype lab experiment using living Tulipa specimens. The learning process was evaluated through two questionnaires assessing the acquisition of scientific knowledge and behavioral outcomes. The results showed a positive impact on students’ understanding regarding the genetic material and biodiversity, with the karyotype experiment playing a key role in achieving high performance in both cognitive and affective learning objectives. Knowledge scores were higher in the second-grade students (53–73%) than in the first-grade students (44–69%) of high school, especially regarding concepts such as karyotype applications and biodiversity-ecosystem balance. The karyotype experiment positively correlated with both the evaluation of the intervention and the shifts in biodiversity beliefs (Pearson’s r = 0.649, 0.515; p < 0.05, respectively). The modeled inquiry-based approach with living tulips and karyotype experiments can help schools and botanic gardens counteract plant blindness by enhancing cognitive and affective learning outcomes within a limited instructional timeframe.

Crocus biflorus aggregate is the most complex group of the genus in terms of its taxonomy and cytology. In the present study, a karyological analysis of six Crocus species in the C. biflorus aggregate (i.e. C. adanensis, C. aerius, C. alexandri, C. almehensis, C. cyprius, and C. danfordiae) was conducted. Plants were collected from wild localities and analysed to determine the chromosome number, karyotype morphology and karyotype indices. The results are presented along with some taxonomic notes and show significant variation in both chromosome number and morphology among the taxa of this particularly complex group. The key findings have been identified. Crocus adanensis (2n = 14) the karyotype consists of metacentric, submetacentric, and acrocentric chromosomes. Crocus aerius (2n = 22) features large satellites on its acrocentric chromosomes, while C. alexandri (2n = 8 + 1-4B) shows submetacentric and acrocentric chromosomes, with additional B-chromosomes. Crocus almehensis (2n = 20) has the smallest chromosomes, mostly submetacentric and C. cyprius (2n = 10) exhibits large, mostly acrocentric (st) chromosomes. Crocus danfordiae (2n = 8) presents both heteromorphic and homomorphic cytotypes, indicating potential hybrid origins. These findings contribute to understanding the cytological diversity and evolution within the C. biflorus aggregate.

Tulips are among the most famous plants that are used mainly as ornamental cut flowers. Although widely cultivated, they are mainly reproduced asexually, and knowledge of their sexual reproduction is imperfect, especially in regard to botanical tulips. The aim of the present study was to investigate the temperature effect on seed germination of the Near Threatened wild-growing Greek subendemic plant Tulipa saxatilis (Liliaceae) and to define its seed dormancy type. Seed germination was facilitated by bioclimatic profiling generated with R software (version 4.3.3) connecting its natural distribution points with open access precipitation and temperature data, and it was assessed upon incubation in controlled growth chambers at five constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 °C) under a 12:12 light–dark photoperiod. The seeds were dependent on temperature for germination and germinated only within a very narrow range of relatively low temperatures (5–15 °C) and optimally at 10 °C (93%), corresponding to natural winter temperatures and precipitation profiles. Increase in the incubation temperature at 20 and 25 °C resulted in no germination. The treatment of seeds with gibberellic acid (GA3) at two different concentrations (500, 1000 mg·L−1) did not widen the temperature range for seed germination. The seeds of T. saxatilis initially presented an underdeveloped embryo, and significant embryo development was detected only at low temperatures (10 and 15 °C) with almost triple embryo length after one month, thus confirming the existence of complex morphophysiological seed dormancy. Moreover, germinated seeds (with and without GA3) were planted in small-sized pots under greenhouse conditions, and the growth of bulblets was investigated in response to the application of commercially available chemical fertilizers, an integrated nutrient management scheme, and a biostimulant. The fertilization schemes affected the weight and length of the produced bulblets, whereas initial seed treatment with GA3 negatively affected the growth (weight, length, and width) of the produced bulblets.

Tulipa L. (Liliaceae) is one of the most prominent ornamental bulb crops worldwide, holding a central position in the ornamental horticultural industry. Tulipa cultivars are classified into 16 horticultural groups, based on morphology and flowering characteristics. The basic chromosome number in the genus Tulipa is x = 12. This study presents a comprehensive karyomorphometric analysis of 12 cultivated tulip cultivars of which 10 for the first time. Microphotographs of their karyotype and their karyotype formula are given. Further, indices about interchromosomal and intrachromosomal asymmetry are provided. The findings reveal that most cultivars were diploid, 2n = 24, namely “Danceline” (Double Late group), “Brest” (Fringed group); “White Triumphator” (Lily-flowered group); “Green Wave” (Parrot group); “White prince” (Single early group); “Queen of Night” (Single late group); “Ile de France”, “Negrita”, “Purple Flag” (Triumph Group) and “Virichic” (Viridiflora group). Two triploid cases 2n = 36, were identified; i.e., “Fostery King” and “Van Eijk”, consistent with the Darwin hybrid group, which predominantly comprises triploid members. The karyotype morphology aligned with previous research of the genus, showing a symmetrical structure with sub-metacentric and acrocentric chromosomes of similar sizes.

Due to botanical tulips’ economic interest coupled with limited information regarding their seed germination, we investigated the effect of temperature on dormancy release and germination in two endangered local endemic tulip species of Greece (Tulipa hageri Heldr., T. orphanidea Heldr.). Their germination responses at five constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C) were evaluated in growth chambers, while the type of seed dormancy and the temperature effect on its release were determined based on open-sourced, R-derived species-specific ecological profiles illustrating abiotic conditions of their wild habitats. The results indicated a range-specific temperature dependence in seed germination for both studied species with seed germination observed only in very low temperatures (5–10 °C). The seeds of both species after dispersal had an underdeveloped embryo. The existence of a complex morphophysiological seed dormancy was confirmed in both species by the significant embryo development only at 5 and 10 °C (almost doubled after 30 days) coupled with observed delay in germination only at low temperatures. Furthermore, to facilitate their cultivation and ex situ conservation, the germinated seeds were planted in pots to develop bulblets in greenhouse conditions resulting in bigger T. orphanidea bulblets compared to T. hageri.

The current study aims to estimate the most frequent number of nucleoli in taxonomically interesting Fritillaria species. Silver nitrate staining is applied using a modified protocol in 14 taxa and one hybrid from 17 populations from Greece. This is the first report of the number of nucleoli for all the Fritillaria taxa studied here. In general, the number of nucleoli ranges from 0-8, with Fritillaria pontica and F. theophrasti characterised by the greatest number of observed nucleoli. The results reinforce the classification of taxonomically intriguing taxa, such as Fritillaria sporadum and F. theophrasti, as distinct species, even though they have recently been considered synonyms of F. ehrhartii and F. pontica, respectively.

Although tulips are famous worldwide as ornamental plants, the knowledge about the seed germination of wild-growing species remains limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of temperature on seed germination of the local, wild-growing Greek endemics Tulipa bakeri and T. goulimyi and the sub-Balkan endemic T. undulatifolia, which are threatened with extinction, as well as the Mediterranean T. australis and the Asiatic T. clusiana naturalized on Chios Island (Greece). The germination responses at five constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C) were assessed for all studied species in growth chambers under a 12:12 light–dark photoperiod. The ecological profile for each species was developed in R using open-source bioclimatic data; this was built to illustrate the abiotic environmental conditions of their wild habitats, to facilitate the examination of temperature effects on seed germination, and to facilitate their cultivation in artificial environments. The results indicated that the seed germination requirements of the studied species had a range-specific temperature dependence, reflecting their natural adaptation to local ecological conditions. Seed germination of T. bakeri, T. australis, and T. clusiana was observed only in a narrow range of very low temperatures (5–10 °C), whereas germination of T. undulatifolia and T. goulimyi occurred at temperatures between 5 and 15 °C. A temperature increase to 20 or 25 °C resulted in the absence of seed germination for all five Greek tulip species. The germinated seeds were planted in pots and bulblets were developed under greenhouse conditions. Seeds and bulblets constitute valuable genetic materials for the cultivation and ex situ conservation of these five Greek tulip species, three of which are threatened with extinction.

Pollen grains of 19 Fritillaria (Liliaceae) taxa and 2 hybrids from Greece were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The majority of the taxa are studied for the first time and 13 of them are Greek endemic plants. All studied Fritillaria taxa had symmetrical, heteropolar and monosulcate grains, with prolate or perprolate shape. Eight types of exine sculpturing were observed: rugulate-reticulate, rugulate-perforate, psilate-perforate, perforate-reticulate, reticulate, reticulate-heterobrochate and psilate-reticulate. The sulcus always extends from distal to proximal and its apex is either round or sharp. The sulcus membrane is rugulate-granulate, psilate-granulate, gemmate or, as in most cases, verrucate. Our study provides new data on the pollen morphology of Fritillaria, ensures its inter- and intra-specific heterogeneity, and suggests that pollen morphological characters may contribute to the classification of Fritillaria taxa at species level.

Milos is a volcanic island in Greece, isolated from the mainland since its birth 480.000 years ago. The present study provides information on plant species used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people during 16th to 21st century. The aim of the study was to collect, preserve and elaborate data on pharmaceutical plants used by Milos’ inhabitants, to find new plants used in traditional medicine or new uses of the already known ones and to reveal and explain changes of medicinal plants used through 16th to 21st centuries. Data on plant species, for other purposes, except eating, were also collected. Additionally, the data collected were compared to previous literature in order to explain the changes in phytopharmaceutical approaches on the island during 16th to 21st centuries. The research was based on interviews of inhabitants, concerning medicinal plant species used in 20th and 21st centuries, on an unpublished manuscript and on local, folk literature on pharmaceutical plant species during 16th and 19th centuries.

The current study aims to contribute to the further karyological knowledge of the very diverse species Cyclamen hederifolium. The species is represented in Greece by two subspecies, C. hederifolium subsp. hederifolium and C. hederifolium subsp. crassifolium, which are not widely accepted as taxonomically distinct taxa. The subspecies are analyzed karyologically and morphometry of the most important karyological features is used to compare them, attempting to reveal the taxonomic relationships between the two subspecies. However, the karyological analysis proved that all karyotypes are symmetrical and both subspecies have both diploid and tetraploid populations. The applied karyomorphometry and multivariate analysis provided no special pattern and it was unable to differentiate the subspecies from a karyological point of view.

Allium stamatiadae from Andros island (Cyclades, Aegean archipelago, Greece) is described and illustrated. It belongs to A. sect. Codonoprasum, and its closest relatives are A. orestis, a local endemic species of southern Peloponnese (Greece) and A. dirphianum, another local species from Evvia island (West Aegean, Greece). The new species grows in the understorey of riparian forests and is currently known from two localities. The chromosome number of A. stamatiadae, 2n = 2x = 16, is reported and a metaphase plate is illustrated.

The genus Fritillaria is represented in Greece by 31 taxa, more than a half of which are endemic to the country. This is the first report studying the seed morphology of this genus in Greece, in an attempt to prove its taxonomic importance. Seeds from 59 Greek populations, representing 25 taxa have been studied concerning 11 morphological parameters. All examined taxa have numerous seeds per capsule that are flat and characterised by the presence of a peripheral wing. Their shape is ovate to widely ovate-triangular, with the exception of F. epirotica which is more hemispherical. The smallest seeds of all studied taxa belong to F. montana. The morphometric data, along with the multivariate analysis (PCA) and paired t-tests, can lead to interesting conclusions concerning the taxonomic relationships among several taxa. For example, taxa currently considered as synonyms, like F. sporadum within F. ehrhartii and F. theophrastii within F. pontica are found statistically different concerning seed morphology. On the other hand, taxonomically well distinct taxa, such as F. ionica subsp. thessala, F. graeca, and F. messanensis subsp. gracilis, share similar seed morphology. Finally, the two—very similar—subspecies of Fritillaria obliqua share the same seed features, rising again questions upon their taxonomic distinctiveness.

The Argolis Peninsula covers the north-eastern part of Peloponnisos and is surrounded by the Gulf of Argosaronic. The area hosts three species of the genus Fritillaria: F. graeca, F. rhodocanakis and F. spetsiotica. Fritillaria graeca is a Greek endemic taxon and its distribution includes Peloponnisos, C & E Sterea Ellas, C Evia and in proximity to Sterea Ellas, Salamis and Kea islands, while the stenoendemic F. rhodocanakis and F. spetsiotica are mainly found on Idra and Spetses islands respectively. The last two taxa are included in the Red Data Book of Rare and Threatened Plants of Greece, while F. rhodocanakis is also included in the IUCN Red List. Hybridization among them is a common phenomenon in the areas where they coexist, leading to an array of morphologically and karyologically intermediate forms. The current study presents the taxa’s karyomorphometric analysis for the first time and reveals hybrids’ cytological variety, including differences in marker chromosomes, polyploidy and the number of B-chromosomes.

Hymenonema is a Greek endemic genus consisting of two species, H. laconicum and H. graecum, occurring in the lowlands of S Peloponnisos and on most of the C Aegean islands, respectively. Morphological investigation of 20 gatherings covering the entire distribution range revealed clear morphological differences between the two species, mainly in pappus, achenes, anther tube, ligules and basal leaf characters. A corresponding emended identification key to the species is given. Karyological investigation of 11 accessions included karyotypes, idiograms and karyological indices for both species. Six karyomorphological parameters were also statistically analysed. Populations with intermediate morphological characters between the two species are recorded for the first time and their relationship with the typical two species is discussed. The geographical distribution of the genus is mapped and doubtful locations are commented on. The cytotaxonomic data and the geographical distribution of the species support the characterization of H. laconicum and H. graecum as schizoendemics. The conservation status of both species is suggested as Vulnerable (VU) according to IUCN criteria.

Fritillaria Linnaeus, 1753 (Liliaceae) is a genus of geophytes, represented in Greece by 29 taxa.Most of the Greek species are endemic to the country and/or threatened.Although their classical cytotaxonomic studies have already been presented, no karyomorphometric analysis has ever been given.In the present study, the cytological results of Fritillaria montana Hoppe ex W.D.J. Koch, 1832 group, which includes F. epirotica Turrill ex Rix, 1975 and F. montana are statistically evaluated for the first time.Further indices about interchromosomal and intrachromosomal asymmetry are given.A new population of F. epirotica is also investigated, while for F. montana, a diploid individual was found in a known as triploid population.Paired t-tests and PCoA analysis have been applied to compare the two species.

A new species, Bellevalia juliana Bareka, Turland & Kamari (Asparagaceae) is described from E Kriti (Greece) and compared with other related taxa from Greece and the Mediterranean area. It is a member of B. sect. Bellevalia and a karyological study revealed a hexaploid karyotype with 2n=6x=24 chromosomes, illustrated here. The conservation status of the new species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU), according to IUCN criteria.

The chromosome number, karyotype morphology and geographical distribution of 11 taxa from the indigenous flora of Cyprus are presented, along with comments concerning their IUCN status, whenever appropriate. For the endemic taxa Taraxacum aphrogenes and Crypsis factorovskyi karyological data are reported for the first time, whereas the remaining taxa are karyologically examined for the first time from Cypriot material. Karyotype microphotographs for all taxa are provided and their karyotype morphology is discussed.

This is the twenty-four of a series of reports of chromosomes numbers from Mediterranean area, peri-