A new endemic plant species was discovered in Konya: 'Konya sarunotu'

Prof. stated that he identified the plant based on a photo shared by someone. Dr. Duran said, "The plant I discovered as endemic is a group of plants from the Apiaceae family called parsley family. It has a very common species in Türkiye. I saw the photo shared by a Konya lover and the photo caught my attention. I asked him where he took the photo, based on the plant on that photo, I learned that it was in Meram's Dere District and started researching by going to the region. As a result of my research, I discovered that this plant is new."

Prof. Dr. Duran explained his work on the new plant species as follows:

"The full name of the plant is 'Bilacunaria konyaensis', this is its scientific name. Its Turkish name is 'Konya sarunotu'. It is a plant specific to Konya. It is a plant that grows only in Konya in the world. It is also a very rare plant. It is represented by very few individuals. It is a plant that is under threat of extinction. It is among the plants that must be protected first of all.

"Scientifically, we call this plant a monocarpic plant. Monocarpic plants are very few and rare in the plant kingdom. The plant develops from its seed, especially in the first year, and produces one or two leaves. In winter, these leaves dry out, but the underground part remains alive. In the second year, it has three or four leaves, then in the third, fourth, fifth or sixth year, it turns into a large cluster of 10-15 leaves, and then it grows its stem from the middle and gives flowers. It bears fruit and the plant dies completely, giving thousands to tens of thousands of seeds. It means a plant that blooms once in its life. The plant I discovered is among this group of plants.” he said.