Wild flowers in Turkey: genetic resources and possible use

Floristically, Turkey is one of the richest countries in the Western Palearctic Region. The vascular flora (flowering plants and ferns) of Turkey comprises about 10,000 species, with a high percentage of endemic taxa (34%). Diversity of vascular plants of the country has been documented in the Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands published in 11 volumes. The flora of Turkey continues to provide new information, and in the period up to 2017, 1526 taxa were added, including 1121 new species to plant science and 405 taxa as new records to the Turkish flora. Geophyte flora of the country is particularly important, it is rich in about 1200 genera and species, with about 500 endemics. They are found in different habitats and climatic conditions and can offer exciting opportunities for innovation in the floricultural industry.