Contributions to the Flora of Iraq: Stachys bhattacharjeei sp. nov. (Lamiaceae)

Abstract Stachys bhattacharjeei (Lamiaceae), a new species from northeast Iraq, is described and illustrated here. It is endemic to Iraq. Hairiness, leaves, the arrangement of verticillasters, and calyx and corolla length have been used to distinguish Stachys species. The new species, belonging to section Fragilicaulis, is similar to S. graveolens but differs mainly by glabrous flowering stems, more flowered and many verticillasters, very short calyx teeth and white corolla. This paper also presents some taxonomic notes on S. graveolens, information about a suspected hybrid between S. graveolens and S. fragillima, a diagnostic key, and a species list of the genus Stachys in Iraq.