Crepis pannonica, a new report to the flora of Iran

Crepis pannonica, a member of the Asteraceae, was collected and identified from the Agh-Dagh Protected Area located at Talesh Mountains in Ardabil Province (NW of Iran). This plant is a Caucasian-Pontic element that has extended its distribution from Eastern Europe to Turkmenistan. It primarily grows in humid valleys, woodlands, mountainous steppes and dry grassy slopes, which is distinguished from its related species by its tall stature, inflorescence type, achene size, and capitulum characteristics. Until now, this species had not been officially reported in Iran, and this paper presents its first record in the country. It also provides taxonomic details, color images, habitat characteristics of the species, and further insights into its taxonomy. Based on these findings, C. pannonica is potentially classified as Critically Endangered (CR) in the current context of Iran, so that the establishment of this species and the preservation of its existing habitats necessitate specific protective measures.