A New Species to Science from Mount Sannine, Lebanon: Onosma sanninensis Maalouf & Binzet

As a result of the collaborative work conducted by our faculty members, Prof. Dr. Rıza Binzet, and freelance researcher Ramy Maalouf, a completely new plant species has been discovered in Mount Sannine, Lebanon, and has been introduced to the international literature as Onosma sanninensis. A narrowly distributed species endemic to the region, O. sanninensis stands out with both its morphology and its unique habitat. The discovery reveals the biological richness of the Mediterranean basin, which still awaits discovery, while also highlighting the region's natural heritage that needs to be protected. This study has resonated with the scientific community as a fine example of Turkish-Lebanese cooperation.

A Joint Achievement of Iranian and Turkish Scientists: Onosma ligniclada, Onosma elymaitica, and Onosma farsistanica Introduced to the Scientific World

Iranian researchers Prof. Dr. As a result of a collaborative study conducted by Farideh Attar, Dr. Mansour Mirtadzadini, Dr. Arash Sotoodeh, and Turkish scientist Prof. Dr. Rıza Binzet, three new Onosma species from the Iranian flora: Onosma ligniclada Attar & Mirtadzadini, Onosma elymaitica Attar & Mirtadz, and Onosma farsistanica Attar & Mirtadz., have been introduced to the scientific literature. This study, published in the 2025 issue of Adansonia, sheds powerful light on Iran's rich and still-undiscovered botanical heritage. Identified through detailed field observations and morphological studies conducted in mountainous and ecologically unique regions, these three new species stand out for their limited habitats. The discovery makes a significant contribution to Iran's endemic plant diversity and once again demonstrates the fruitful results of Turkish-Iranian scientific cooperation. The identification of these species is crucial for preserving the region's biodiversity and preserving it for the future.

Onosma ligniclada Attar & Mirtadzadini

Onosma elymaitica Attar & Mirtadz.

Onosma farsistanica Attar & Mirtadz.

Exciting Discovery from Eastern Anatolia: A New Plant Species Has Been Introduced to Science: Onosma guniae Binzet

Another new species has been added to the rich flora of Eastern Anatolia. Prof. Dr. Rıza Binzet of the Department of Biology at Mersin University discovered a new plant species for the scientific community through field and laboratory studies in Erzincan's unique serpentine rock habitat. This new species, named Onosma guniae, stands out as one of the rare plants adapted to the region's geological structure. While similar in appearance to its close relative, Onosma stenoloba, it differs in several distinct characteristics, including stem length, leaf structure, flower color, and seed form. The published scientific study is a comprehensive document, encompassing everything from detailed photographs and drawings of the species, to a distribution map and holotype specimen. Prof. Dr. Binzet emphasizes the significant significance of this discovery not only for the botanical world but also for documenting and preserving Turkey's biodiversity, noting that the serpentine regions still hold numerous plant treasures awaiting discovery. Onosma guniae has been recorded as a significant find that adds value to Eastern Anatolia, both scientifically and in terms of the region's natural heritage.