Limonium anatolicum, certainly one of Türkiye’s endemic plant species, has turn into the topic of shut scrutiny by lecturers from Ankara University. Through a collaborative effort below the protocol signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, the academicians are diligently monitoring the inhabitants and well-being of this outstanding flora.
Blooming in July, the Limonium anatolicum first made its look in scientific literature roughly 60 years in the past and has since been below stringent safety measures for the final 30 years. Ankara University Faculty of Science Lecturer Selçuk Tuğrul Körüklü emphasised the significance of defending the habitats the place this species thrives. “We have designated these areas as protected zones and conduct regular field visits to assess the health and population dynamics of the plant,” Körüklü defined. “Each year, we closely observe its condition and track any changes in its numbers.”
The narrowness of its habitat poses a big menace to the Limonium anatolicum, pushing it towards the brink of extinction. Körüklü burdened the plant’s endemism, noting its distinctive capability to thrive in salty environments. “This year, we are witnessing the plant’s blooming after frequent rainfall in Ankara. Fortunately, the overall health of the plants appears to be quite good.”
Unauthorized assortment of this endangered plant species incurs extreme penalties, as Körüklü identified. Professor Mecit Vural, a retired botanist from Gazi University’s Biology Department, who continues to dedicate his efforts to monitoring endangered crops, echoed the sentiment. He emphasised the importance of the Konya basin’s salty soils for endemic crops, stating: “Encountering endemic plants in such barren lands is a rarity worldwide. Lake Tuz’s arid landscape is home to nearly 40 endemic plant species, with a third of them requiring protection, including the Limonium anatolicum.”
The ongoing vigilance and scientific observations by Ankara University lecturers function a significant lifeline for the Limonium anatolicum and different endangered flora within the area. It is thru their devoted efforts that we try to make sure the preservation of Türkiye’s distinctive biodiversity, safeguarding these treasures for generations to come back.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
