A new endemic plant species discovered from a nature photo on social media
Thanks to a nature photograph shared in Konya, the Konya sarunotu, which grows only in this region of the world, has been introduced to the scientific world.
Examining a nature photograph on social media, a retired faculty member identified a new and endangered species of sarunotu that grows exclusively in Konya.
Scientific Research Starting from a Photograph
Retired Prof. Dr. Ahmet Duran noticed a plant he had never seen before in a nature photograph shared on social media. He contacted the owner of the photo, went to the area in Dere Neighborhood of Meram district, and collected samples of the plant.
Studies lasting about two years on the plant, which was understood to be a sarunotu species from the carrot family, were completed, and it entered the literature by being published in an international botanical journal.
Characteristics of Konya Sarunotu
Scientifically named Bilacunaria konyaensis, the plant is called Konya sarunotu in Turkish and grows exclusively within the borders of Konya in the world. This extremely rare species is represented by a small number of individuals and is under threat of extinction.
Monocarpic Life Cycle
This newly discovered plant species has monocarpic characteristics, flowering only once in its lifetime. Forming a leaf cluster in its early years, the plant develops a stem in later years, flowers, produces seeds, and then completely dies.