Cicer uludereensis Donmez: a new species of Cicer (Chickpea) (Fabaceae) from around the Fertile Crescent, SE Turkey

The genus Cicer L. includes an important crop plant, chickpea, which has been used as a protein source since prehistoric times. Specimens of a native Cicer have been collected and described from south-east Turkey. This new species, Cicer uludereensis Donmez sp. nova, is distinct from a closely allied species, Cicer isauricum P.H.Davis, by its fine and more numerous teeth per leaflet, larger stipules, and narrower fruit with almost smooth seed surface. An illustration and a distribution map of the new species are provided and observations on the population are discussed.