Hidden treasure revealed with new endemic plant species discovery in Türkiye’s Latmos

A new endemic plant species discovered in the Besparmak Mountains, known as “Latmos” and located between Aydin and Mugla, has been introduced to the scientific world. Named “Latmos kazgagasi,” this unique plant was discovered by brain surgeon Varol Aydin.

This rare species, which only grows in the Latmos region, has been scientifically named “Corydalis varolaydinii.”

Brain surgeon’s discovery

During an exploration in Latmos in March, Varol Aydin noticed a distinctive plant and shared its photographs with professor Hasan Yildirim, director of the Ege University Botanical Garden and Herbarium Application and Research Center.

Upon further research, it was confirmed that this plant had never been documented before. Following this, Yildirim and Aydin initiated studies in the area where the plant was found.

Latmos kazgagasi enters scientific world

Professor Yildirim, along with Ph.D. students Tugkan Ozdol and Kenan Akbas from Mugla Sitki Kocman University, conducted field and laboratory studies on this new species.

Their findings were published in the internationally recognized journal Annales Botanici Fennici, based in Finland.

Latmos: Heritage in need of protection

Highlighting Latmos’ significance not only for its plant species but also for its historical and cultural importance, professor Yildirim emphasized that the region’s wildlife and flora have been negatively impacted by mining activities. He advocated for the complete protection of Latmos, warning that without such measures, both the rare plant species and the natural and cultural heritage of Latmos could be lost.

The discovery of this new plant species in Türkiye’s Latmos underscores the region’s rich biodiversity and the urgent need for its protection. The Latmos kazgagasi stands as a symbol of the wealth of this land and the heritage that must be preserved.