New Plant Species Discovered in Konya

A plant species discovered in the Taurus Mountains of Konya by Prof. Dr. Osman Tugay, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and a faculty member of the Department of Pharmaceutical Botany at Selçuk University, and his team has been introduced to the scientific world.

Tugay stated that their research under the microscope confirmed the plant to be a new species, explaining: “Since we had already studied all wild hyacinth species previously identified in Türkiye, this one appeared different to us. We examined it more closely, photographed it, then collected samples and dried them using standard herbarium techniques. We brought them to the laboratory, studied the details under the microscope, and after our analysis, we determined that it was distinct from other species.”

Tugay emphasized that after reviewing the global scientific literature, they became fully certain that this plant represents a new species in the scientific world, and stated: “It was necessary to give the new species a name. Since we discovered the plant within the borders of Konya, we wanted to carry the name of our city into the scientific world, so we adapted it into Latin and named it ‘konyaensis.’ Thus, the plant entered the scientific literature as Bellevalia konyaensis. We also gave it the Turkish name ‘Konya Hyacinth,’ thereby introducing it to the scientific community.”

Tugay drew attention to the potential of the plant to become much more valuable over time, stating: “As it is a newly discovered species, it is locally endemic, meaning it exists in only one location. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), such plant species fall under the ‘critically endangered’ category in terms of extinction risk. Therefore, it is of great importance that this plant be placed under protection and preserved for future generations.”