New species Iris cryptoruthenica P. Zhurb.

22 December 2025 Taxonomic research of species of the genus Iris continues in various regions of Russia, 2023 an analysis of populations was carried out, and the experience of studying and introducing. Was conducted a study of Iris ruthenica from Altai, chromosomes were counted. It has been established that in different populations samples have a different set of chromosomes: 2n=42 and 2n=84. The results of the analysis was published in December in the Taxon. This year, a large group of scientists continued their studies of I. ruthenica in the flora of the Altai Mountain Country. We detected a cryptic lineage that is morphologically indistinguishable from I. ruthenica s. str. but differs in chromosome number. Despite the lack of diagnostic morphological differences, we found compelling molecular evidence supporting the recognition of this lineage as a distinct species, which is formally described here as I. cryptoruthenica. Based on available data, its known range includes the Altai Mountains and the northern provinces of China (Xinjiang). Published in Turczaninowia.