A New Plant Species Discovered Near Derekoy, Karaman, Adds to the Scientific World’s Knowledge

A new plant species, discovered by chance during a nature walk near Derekoy, Karaman, has been added to the scientific literature.

Gülşen Kavas, who runs an organic farming business in Karaman, came across a different plant species while gathering mushrooms about two years ago. Kavas sent photographs of the plant to Asst. Prof. Dr. Ömer Çeçen, a faculty member in the Department of Biology at Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University’s Kamil Özdağ Faculty of Science. After detailed comparative studies, it was determined that the new species notably differs from its close relative Biarum rifatii, particularly in terms of its floral organs.

Named “Karaman Snake Arum,” the new species has been officially recognized in the scientific community under the name Biarum gulsenianum. The description and scientific studies of the new species have been published in the latest issue of Annales Botanici Fennici, a prestigious international journal in the field of taxonomic botany, announcing the discovery to the global scientific community.

This discovery exemplifies the nature and biodiversity-focused research conducted by the faculty members of Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University’s Kamil Özdağ Faculty of Science, and it makes an important contribution to the protection and promotion of Karaman’s rich flora.