New genus Drymosiphon Melnikov (Lamiaceae)

Taxonomic history of the genus Calamintha Mill., reflecting different opi¬nions of taxonomists on the status of the taxon, is briefly outlined. Based on characters of calyx and leaf venation, as well as the chromosome number (2n = 22), the generic status of the group of species related to Calamintha grandiflora (L.) Moench is demonstrated, and the group is placed in the newly described genus Drymosiphon Melnikov. Appropriate nomenclatural combinations in Drymosiphon are made: Drymosiphon grandiflorus (L.) Melnikov, D. betulifolius (Boiss. et Balansa) Melnikov, D. davisii (Contadr. et Quézel) Melnikov, D. hakkaricus (Dirmenci et Firat) Melnikov, D. pamphylicus (Boiss. et Heldr. ex Benth.) Melnikov, D. piperelloides (Stapf) Melnikov, D. tauricola (P. H. Davis) Melnikov, D. alanyensis (S. Alan et Ocak) Melnikov. A new variety, D. grandiflora var. hirtellus Melnikov, var. nova, is described. Lectotypes of Calamintha grandiflora var. micrantha K. Koch, C. grandiflora var. parviflora Coss., and C. baborensis Batt. are designated. Based on a series of shared characters, Calamintha is considered a section within the genus Clinopodium L.: Clinopodium sect. Calamintha (Mill.) Melnikov.