Latmos Mountains Reveal New, Critically Endangered Plant Species

A new, critically endangered plant species, Latmos Saxifrage (Saxifraga alpsengulii), has been discovered exclusively in Turkey’s Latmos Mountains. Learn about this unique flower and the threats it faces.

For those of us who have made our homes in this beautiful corner of Turkey, the Latmos Mountains, nestled between Muğla and Aydın, have always been a source of awe, rich in history and stunning landscapes. Now, this remarkable region is once again making headlines with the discovery of an entirely new plant species – a delicate saxifrage found exclusively within its ancient granite crevices, but already facing critical danger.

The Latmos Mountains, known locally as Beşparmak Dağları, have long captivated explorers with their ancient rock paintings and unique geological formations. Having lived here for two decades, I’ve seen countless visitors, and indeed many of us expats, drawn to its rugged charm. This latest discovery, a previously undefined species of saxifrage, adds another layer to its incredible natural heritage. Scientifically named “Saxifraga alpsengulii” and known in Turkish as “Latmos Taşkıranı” (Latmos Saxifrage), this tiny plant thrives in the shaded granite hollows, a testament to the region’s unique biodiversity.

The Journey of a Discovery: From Amateur Eye to Scientific Breakthrough

The story of the Latmos Saxifrage began in 2023, quite serendipitously. Dr. Türker Şengül, a physician and passionate amateur botanist, was exploring the Latmos Mountains when he stumbled upon a plant he’d never seen before, tucked away in a shadowy granite rock cavity. His keen eye and curiosity led him to photograph the mysterious bloom, sharing his findings with Professor Dr. Hasan Yıldırım, Director of Ege University’s Botanical Garden and Herbarium Application and Research Centre.

Initial examinations of the photographs suggested that this plant might be distinct from other known saxifrage species in Turkey. Further dedicated fieldwork in 2025, involving meticulous comparison with closely related species and the collection of samples, conclusively revealed that this was indeed a new species, previously unknown to the scientific world.

A Name Etched in Nature: Honoring a Family’s Connection

The naming of a new species is always a significant moment, and for the Latmos Saxifrage, it carries a personal touch. The scientific name, “Saxifraga alpsengulii,” was chosen in honour of Alp Şengül, the son of Dr. Türker Şengül, who first spotted the plant. The Turkish common name, “Latmos Taşkıranı,” simply translates to Latmos Saxifrage, reflecting its exclusive habitat.

The scientific study documenting this new species was diligently prepared by Professor Dr. Hasan Yıldırım and his doctoral student, Aşkın Öykü Çimen. The intricate botanical illustrations, crucial for scientific identification, were expertly crafted by botanical artist Hazelnas Varol, bringing the plant to life on paper.

A Dazzling Bloom in the Shadows: The Latmos Saxifrage’s Unique Charm

One of the most captivating aspects of the Latmos Saxifrage is its striking appearance and the unique environment it calls home. This resilient little plant thrives in moist granite cracks, nestled in shady rock cavities, and even at the entrances of small caves. Its flowers display a remarkable spectrum of colours, transitioning from pure white to a vibrant, bright golden yellow. Adding to its allure, the undersides of the petals often reveal delicate pink and lilac tones.

Professor Dr. Hasan Yıldırım beautifully described the plant’s visual impact, noting that when viewed from outside a cave, the flowers appear to almost shimmer and glow within the dark rock hollows. It’s a truly magical sight, a hidden jewel sparkling in the ancient landscape, and a potent reminder of the wonders tucked away in our local environment.

A Global Rarity, Right on Our Doorstep: Its Endemic Significance

The genus Saxifraga, commonly known as saxifrages or rockfoils, is a vast group, boasting around 490 species globally. With this new discovery in Latmos, Turkey’s known saxifrage species count now rises to 25. While five of these are endemic to Turkey, the Latmos Saxifrage holds an even more special distinction.

Current research indicates that this new species is a global endemic, meaning it exists nowhere else in the world except for the Latmos Mountains. Its distribution is incredibly limited, stretching from the areas around Söke and Lake Bafa into the inner reaches of Latmos itself. For us expats, it’s a powerful thought that such a unique piece of global biodiversity is right here, in the mountains we often explore.

A Fragile Future: The Threats Facing Latmos Saxifrage

While the discovery of the Latmos Saxifrage is undoubtedly exciting, it comes with a sobering reality: the plant is already classified as “Critically Endangered (CR).” This dire status is primarily due to its extremely narrow distribution and the ongoing degradation of its delicate habitat. This classification highlights the urgent need for protective measures.

Among the most significant threats, experts point directly to mining activities within the Latmos region. The destruction of natural habitats not only imperils the Latmos Saxifrage but also endangers other endemic species and the entire unique ecosystem of the Latmos Mountains. It’s a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and the preservation of our natural heritage, a concern I’ve heard voiced by many in our expat community who cherish this region.

Latmos: A Sanctuary of Unveiled Wonders

The discovery of this new species unequivocally reinforces the fact that the Latmos Mountains are a truly exceptional geographical area, deserving of protection not just for their millennia-old rock paintings, archaeological treasures, and extraordinary rock formations, but also for their profound biological diversity. Professor Dr. Hasan Yıldırım rightly points out that the continued discovery of new species in the region suggests that the full extent of Latmos’s biodiversity has yet to be uncovered.

To think that a flower, unknown to science until now, has thrived for millions of years amidst the granite rocks of Latmos, is truly astounding. It vividly illustrates the immense natural legacy that this region holds, urging us all to appreciate and protect the hidden wonders that surround us in our adopted Turkish home.

Yazar: Jonathan