Reproductive biology and conservation status of Leopoldia mira, Muscari sandrasicum and M. serpentinicum (Asparagaceae)
Leopoldia mira, Muscari sandrasicum and M. serpentinicum are endemic grape hyacinth species restricted to serpentinous and calcareous habitats in south-western Anatolia, Türkiye. Their pollination types, pollen and seed viability and primary pollinators were investigated through population observations, pollination experiments and various tests. A mixed pollination system was found to be predominant in L. mira and M. serpentinicum, whereas M. sandrasicum exhibited obligate xenogamy (outcrossing). Additionally, all species were observed to be entomophilous. New populations of L. mira and M. sandrasicum were discovered on Eşeler Mountain (Denizli, Türkiye). Their IUCN threat categories were re-assessed using the new data obtained in this study. The threat categories of L. mira and M. sandrasicum, previously classified as Endangered (EN), were retained, while M. serpentinicum should be reclassified as EN, based on criterion B2ab(ii,iii,iv,v)c(iii) due to its limited population size and increasing threats such as grazing, habitat degradation and climate change.
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