wildlife tours lake van trip report 2011 - greentours ltd
TRANSCRIPT
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Lake Van
Eastern Turkey
A Greentours Tour Report
23rd May – 5th June 2011
Leaders: Chris Gardner & Başak Gardner
Day 1 23rd May UK to Istanbul
We all arrived from various starting points and took a late-ish dinner and a stroll around the
Blue Mosque at night.
Day 2 24th May Istanbul to Van
It was an early start with a pre dawn breakfast overlooking the Blue Mosque as the somewhat
ghostly uplit Yellow-legged Gulls cruised around the minarets. A smooth flight to Van followed,
some of us seeing the stunning azure waters of Nemrut Dag crater as we flew across Van Lake
to the airport. Our drivers were waiting and after we’d got essentials from the bags we were off,
stopping to pick up supplies at a supermarket and then driving out across the steppe, leaving the
town behind. First up was a water meadow full of both loose-flowered Orchis pseudolaxiflora
and the dense heads of magenta Dactylorhiza umbrosa along with lots of Pedicularis comosum
and Triglochin maritimum. Black-headed Yellow Wagtail, Lapwing and Redshank were all seen
in the marsh as was a Small Heath (somewhat out of habitat!).
Another smaller wet flush a few miles on had more Dactylorhiza umbrosa and lots of Primula
auriculata, more fine tall Pedicularis comosum and pretty pinkish-lilac Polygala papilionacea.
However, the main attraction here lay up on the nearby sloping steppe although crossing the
field to get there produced many flowers with the weird spires of Bellevalia longipes (mainly in
seed), inflated seedpods of Leontice leontopetalum, pink Vicia villosa ssp villosa and several
Astragalus species. On the slope were a good number of lovely Iris barnumae with their silky
purple petals dotted across the steppe and many Muscari caucasica, clumps of Salvia
multicaulis with pronounced purple bracts and blue flowers among which grew spikes of the
broomrape Orobanche anatolica. While we were looking at all of this Tessa had found a pair of
mating Common Blues.
We drove on seeing several Rollers and then turned away from the lake heading north into an
area of lava fields arriving at the thundering Muradiye waterfalls. While we waited for lunch
there was time to walk to a nearby area of steppe where we found quite a few intensely scarlet
Phelypaea tournefourtii that were parasitizing Artemesia, the dense white heads of Silene
capitellata and Black-headed Bunting were calling from the rocky mounds. Lunch took a while
to arrive!
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From the falls we could see the striking white and dark brown flowers of Iris iberica ssp
elegantissima and that was our first target after lunch, although the usual spot was a bit behind
this year with most in bud, but a bit of searching located a couple of decent and different forms.
Continuing towards the bulk of Tendurek Dag we came across an area of flooded fields and
these were teeming with waders with many Ruffs, Little Ringed Plovers, a few Wood
Sandpipers, handsome summer plumage Little Stints and star of the show a least five Broad-
billed Sandpipers. Slick plumaged White-winged Tern came by too before we left passing blue
(muscari) stained fields and then driving onto Tendurek, the slopes speckled with red tulips and
then our first views of the immense bulk of Agri Dag (Mount Ararat) and its imaginatively
named little brother Kucuk Agri Dag (Little Mount Ararat) all snow capped and splendid and
then onto our hotel placed in tree filled ground at the foot of the mountain.
Day 3 25th May Tendurek Dag
Our early birding session produced a decent variety with Olivaceous Warblers, Rosefinches,
Bee-eaters, Isabelline Wheatear, a Golden Oriole and Syrian Woodpecker, followed by
breakfast with a clear view of the magnificent Agri Dag. It was a pleasant sunny start to the
main part of the day too as we drove out to an area of steppe where there were many superb Iris
iberica ssp elegantissima (although the atypical yellow morph was finished), the attractive
creamy-white stemless cornflower Centaurea vanensis, the delicate blue of Linum austriacum,
wispy plumes of Stachys lavandulifolia, several calling male Black-headed Buntings and a
Tawny Pipit. We continued through areas of arable lands and steppe hemmed in by rocky hills.
A stop among this habitat found slopes with many more big clumps of Stachys lavandulifolia,
fine patches of yellow skullcap Scutellaria orientalis, Scorzonera mollis, Isabelline Wheatear
and a small flock of Rock Sparrows. The latter were also evident around the small village we’d
parked next to together with a Little Owl that seemed to be nesting in a half completed building.
An area of fallow fields was pink with swathes of Geranium tuberosum (and stepporum) with
the moody peak of Tendurek Dag in the background. It proved to be rich in larks with
Bimaculated, Short-toed and Skylark all seen. Now we drove up onto the volcano and reached
an area with green slopes at the top of which were patches of hundreds of pale blue Puschkinia
scilloides. Before we reached these we had to pass many fine clumps of yellow flowered Adonis
wolgensis that dominated some of the lower areas. Once on the slopes we reached the
Puschkinia and found among them a few pink Merendera trigyna and nearby both Ranunculus
kochii and a fair scattering of Fritillaria pinardii some with really quite red flowers. Above this
in the rocky areas were the nodding bells of purple Pulsatilla albana, crevices filled with white
Arabis caucasica and the lovely soft-yellow juno Iris caucasica. There were Shore Larks flying
about as we moved across the ridge eventually finding some good cushions of Draba bruniifolia
before descending just ahead of the impending rain.
Despite the rain we carried on up to and over the pass dropping down a bit into dry conditions
(for the time being at least) where a dry cinder slope had many red Tulipa julia, a few Corydalis
oppositifolia and plenty of perfect Fritillaria crassifolia ssp kurdica most with yellow tipped
deep brown bells although one had a complete rim of gold. On the opposite slope were more Iris
caucasica and on the rocks superb golden cushions of Draba rosularis. It was a bit too cold and
grim up here so we beat a retreat and drove back towards the hotel stopping for close Long-
legged Buzzard and then a pit-stop at the hotel - it hadn’t rained here at all! From here we
headed for the Iranian border seeing a Rose-colored Starling on the way and then arriving at the
world’s second largest meteor impact crater. The steep-sided crater was now home to a large
Jackdaw colony (and Kestrel and Hoopoe) and on the surrounding steppe was a very tolerant
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juvenile Long-legged Buzzard that sat on a rock for photos. There were some good plants in the
steppe too with blue Moltkia caerulea, tall woad Isatis tinctoria, Bungea trifida and Nepeta
transcaucasica. The rain duly caught us up as we enjoyed an afternoon cuppa, but by now it was
time to go back anyway.
Checklist was distracted by a swirl of Bee-eaters coming in to roost in one of the trees.
Day 4 26th May Ishak Paşa Palace & Çili Dag
Early birding at a nearby area of lava fields and then a large wetland was good with first of all
two Garganeys including a splendid male, followed by Finsch’s Wheatear, Western Rock
Nuthatch and two Long-legged Buzzards perched on the rocks. There were hundreds of Ruddy
Shelducks scattered across the wetland along with Avocets, Black-tailed Godwits, Ruff and a
male Shoveler. A female Marsh Harrier flew by and there was a very good view of Western
Rock Nuthatch close to us on the rocks and as we left a very obliging Hoopoe.
After breakfast we drove up to the Ishak Pasa Palace, perched above the grubby town of
Dogubeyazit. Bus 2 saw Little Owl and Linnet on the way up too. The restored palace with its
mix of beautiful architecture, superb carvings, old paintings inside the mosque and fabulous
views across the landscape was well worth a wander around. Opposite the palace was the broad
domed mosque above which rose impressive ragged toothed ridges and scree slopes. We spent
the rest of the morning exploring this elevated area wandering up the track at first and seeing
Ortolan Bunting, Caucasian Agama, the big hard hummocks of the ‘vegetable sheep’
Gypsophila pulvinata, slender Silene dianthoides, then a rock with cushions of Draba rosularis
as both Ortolan and Grey-necked Bunting sang. A lovely male Blue Rock Thrush appeared in a
rocky gully and Choughs were criss-crossing the high cliffs, getting decidedly more agitated
when a Golden Eagle sailed across. Walking a bit higher we reached the scree where there was a
good number of Tulipa julia including the odd orange variant. The handsome reddish-brown
flowered stock Matthiola odoratissima was also among the loose stones and there was white
Aethionema trinervium and as we walked up a bit more many good Androsace villosa with some
pinkish forms and several sprouting from among the dense domes of Gypsophila pulvinata.
Rumbles of thunder had us off the mountain quickly but the rain never really arrived.
In the afternoon we drove out across the flat plain below and then drove up again onto the
northern flank of Agri Dag stopping with a view of the large wetland below for a well
positioned White Stork nest (with three chicks) in a small village. Our arrival brought the local
children and their pet rabbit resulting in lots of picture being taken – they were eager for some
payment for this, but after I’d let them look through the ‘scope at the storks and then asked for
their rabbit as payment for this their demands eased! Continuing on we found a field thick with
huge plants of Hyoscyamus niger. Not far beyond was our main location, an area of old lava
hills where there were dozens of perfect Iris iberica ssp elegantissima in excellent afternoon
light. There were many other flowers too with deep purple Gladiolus atroviolaceus,
Vincetoxicum fuscata and after crossing an ocean of dainty white Scandix iberica there were
slopes with hundreds of pretty Polygala anatolica in a variety of colours from pink to purple
and also Cerinthe major ssp auriculata, the blue bells of Campanula stevenii and below near
some irises David had found a pristine deep red-brown Orchis coriophora. More startling was
the male Little Bittern that flew over us obviously moving between ponds! There were some
more good birds to round things off with first a pair of Crimson-winged Finches and then as we
tried to get a better look at these a Mongolian Trumpeter Finch appeared beside the path (its not
the first time I’ve encountered these two species feeding close to each other).
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Day 5 27th May To Tatvan via northern Van Golu
Early birding was colourful with the highlight being a flock of superbly lit Rose-coloured
Starlings in a tree with a solitary Bee-eater. There was Red-backed Shrike, Hoopoe, Garden
Warbler, Spotted Flycatchers and then to finish off a male Syrian Woodpecker.
The day proper began with a short trip back towards Iran where we stopped for a lovely display
of Ixiolirion tartaricum with the magnificent backdrop of Agri Dag. Some schoolchildren came
to see what we were doing and behaved immaculately and posed for pictures. Next up was a
stand of the impressive lamiate Eremostachys laciniata again with a volcano background.
Around about were also Euphorbia armena (akin to myrsinites) and slender Euphorbia
macroclada. Finsch’s Wheatear made an appearance along with a pair of mating Darevskia
sapphirina lizards.
There was a long way to go so most of our stops were short with first one for the big display of
Alkanna orientalis, then another for fine plants of white Salvia limbata before we once again
crossed the pass. Our next stop was a longer one exploring the lava fields for Fritillaria
caucasica, masses of Bellevalia pycnantha, Ranunculus grandiflorus and Puschkinia scillioides.
A displaying Crimson-winged Finch caught our attention and there was Rock Thrush and Black
Redstart.
Flat marshy areas on either side of the road were brushed with the pink of many thousands of
Primula algida with Banded Frogs peeping out from the shallow water and then there was a
longer stop at the flooded fields we’d passed three days ago and the birding was just as good,
with many waders such as Greenshank, Little Ringed Plover, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff and Little
Stint joined by Whiskered and White-winged Terns, Pintail, Shoveler and a female Montagu’s
Harrier. We pushed on to our picnic spot overlooking a river flowing into the lake where there
were many Armenian Gulls, calling Cetti’s and Great Reed Warblers and a couple of Night
Herons. While we ate our picnic a Little Bittern flew along too. The floral highlight was a
superb plant of Hyoscyamus reticulatus by the ladies loo!
Birds were on the agenda at the first stop after lunch by the placid waters of Arin Golu where
countless thousands of Sand Martins swirled in the air like insects, almost as numerous as the
children that descended upon us soon enough. However before their boisterous behaviour got
too much we’d found half a dozen male White-headed Ducks chasing each other around, many
Red-crested Pochard and Pochard, Gadwall and both Shelduck and Ruddy Shelduck. Escaping
the over-excited hoards (pushed to bursting after Peter stepped in the marsh for a muddy bootful)
we drove back though the fields seeing many Calandra Larks and then arrived at a hidden orchid
meadow close to a village with well-behaved children! There was a wonderful mix of colours of
Dactylorhiza umbrosa from white and pale pink to deep purplish. Olivaceous Warblers sang all
around and John and Peter saw Marsh Warbler. There was time for tea and then we completed
our journey stopping only for an Egyptian Vulture as the golden light spread across the splendid
hills surrounding the lake.
Day 6 28th May Nemrut Dag and Ahlat
The looming crater of Nemrut Dag rises up behind Tatvan and we set off on a fine day driving
up towards the crater rim. Our first stop was for orchids and tortoises and both were quickly
found with a couple of fine spikes of Orchis pinetorum and a couple of fine Spur-thighed
Tortoises. There were good stands of tall yellow-green Euphorbia macrocarpa and the
wonderful Euphorbia denticulata with pinkish heads of flowers with delicate fimbriate glands.
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A pair of mating Ophiosus elegans was found as we walked back. Continuing on up to the crater
rim there were magnificent views down into the crater and the blue lake and also back towards
Tatvan with the turquoise Lake Van. We drove down into the crater stopping to explore an area
of lava fields and birch scrub. Shore Larks were plentiful and we had great views of these and
then Rock Thrush, followed by one of our targets for the day White-throated Robin which sat
atop a rock singing for a good while and we all got to see this handsome bird. The flowers were
great too with the emerging woolly heads of Rindera lanata and then many tan-brown bells of
Fritillaria minuta (bright green leaves) mixed in with a few dark brown Fritillaria pinardii
(glaucous leaves) and then our third species tall and slender Fritillaria assyriaca. There were
clearly intermediates about and hybridisation had occurred with some interesting results. Mixed
in with all of these were some good Corydalis oppositifolia
It had been sunny but some quick light showers changed the mood as we descended further
towards the lake, although these really came to nothing and it was dry during lunch. While we
waited for it to be prepared there was time to look at the many Iris caucasica in the grassy turf,
good stands of Solenanthus stamineus and perfect spikes of Dactylorhiza flavescens among the
dwarf aspens. Lunch was eaten with great views of the calm lake with the sheer cliffs of the
crater behind and Armenian Gulls lazily drifting across. Shortly after we departed the rain
returned but we braved it for a patch of Pulsatilla albana, but in truth we needn’t have bothered
as further on was a bank with hundreds mingled with a form of Draba bruniifolia and a good
patch of Merendera trigyna and just before this we’d stopped for a superb stand of Solenanthus
stamineus and Ortolan Bunting.
We exited the crater and descended to the coast road turning towards Ahlat and driving to an
area of steppe-covered hills where we found many interesting new plants including the greenish
brown Hesperis rupestris, delicate lacy Gypsophila bitlisensis, Silene spergulifolia, Silene
conoidea, Orchis collina, the pretty annual Aethionema arabica and best of all a gorgeous plant
of Verbascum suworovianus with large peach coloured flowers. There was just time to stop for a
few minutes at the large Seljuk graveyard with many tall intricately carved stones covered in
orange and grey lichens.
Day 7 29th May Bitlis Circuit
It was a slightly later start to look at all the closed shops (I’d forgotten it was Sunday today!)
before we drove east and into a broad green valley with water meadows running through and
areas of orchids, buttercups and primulas. One area had Dactylorhiza umbrosa, Primula
auriculata and vast swathes of Ranunculus polyanthemos/sericeus and constantinopolitanus
mixed together. Whinchat and lots of Black-headed Yellow Wagtails buzzed about the marshes.
Another stop by some waterfalls gave good views of Marsh Warbler in the dwarf willows and
allowed the driver and Başak to test their donkey riding skills.
The water meadows ended abruptly at a rocky gorge through which the lazy river took a more
turbulent turn, ideal for Dipper which was seen almost straight away flying down stream. The
bird was seen much better a bit later, along with that other stalwart of freshwater rivers the Grey
Wagtail. On the rock slopes above were Rock Bunting and these chased each other above two
perfect flowers of Iris sari. Along the roadside and in the oak scrub were many new flowers
with the yellow umbellifer Malabiala lasiocarpa, pretty pink Lamium garganicum in the rocks,
Cicer anatolica, superb examples of Gundelia tournefortii and the bicoloured white and lilac
Salvia aethiops. Flying through all of this were Glanville Fritillary, Eastern Wood White, the
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handsome Eastern Steppe Festoon, Painted Lady, Sooty Copper, Brown Argus, Green
Underside Blue and tiny Orange-tips.
Along the valley were several fallow fields completely smothered in Trifolium resupinatum the
upside down clover. A sweet honey scent emanated from the field we stopped at as Nightingale
sang from the nearby scrub and then Bill spotted a pale morph Booted Eagle overhead. The last
stop before lunch was in an interesting area of terraced fields with hedgerows, walnuts and
poplars. In the latter Golden Orioles sang and two were seen well as we walked up to the fields
where there were big clumps of Aristolochia bottae in the shadier parts (mainly) and lovely
Salvia trichoclada on the sunny banks as well as Ornithogalum shelkovnikovii and Lathyrus
setifolius. Big Caucasian Agamas were on the rocks.
Lunch was taken in an area of fields lined with big billowing Ferula orientalis, but the big
billowing grey clouds that loomed were of some concern and indeed unleashed a couple of short
showers as we ate sending us scurrying back and forth to the bus. In the end it stopped messing
about and we were able to photograph the very fine twin spiked Ophrys reinholdii ssp strausii
that John had found along with the many architectural Smyrnium cordifolium that were scattered
about.
Orchids were very much central to our next stop, with some towering specimens of Orchis
pseudolaxiflora (though surely tending to palustris proper) and abundant Orchis coriophora
(Bug Orchid) including a white form. However, the star turn was provided by the bee orchids
with first of all the rare (and previously never recorded at this location) Ophrys cilicica
accompanied by a plant of Ophrys fuciflora (holoserica) and then one of Ophrys scolopax
phrygia (Woodcock Orchid). Broad-bodied Chasers were also seen and photographed.
Our final location quickly produced the goods with great prolonged views of singing Cinereous
Bunting a highly localised species and then on the rocky slopes plants of Campanula
involucrata and Aethionema grandiflora.
Day 8 30th May To Van
Our journey along the south shore of the lake was with fine weather all day albeit hazy with the
first port of call to look for Paeonia mascula in an area of oak woods. Unfortunately the heavy
rain from last night had rather roughed up the flowers, but there were still many huge Pinewood
Orchids Orchis pinetorum on show and in the semi-leafless scrub Nightingales were seen well
along with Redstart, Long-tailed Tit and Blue Tit.
A slope alongside the lake was very productive with one excellent specimen of Compera
comperiana, a fair scattering of Bellevalia fominii, an Ophrys sphegodes transcaucasica as well
as many Toothed Orchid Orchis tridentata, Aethionema speciosum, Rock Bunting, Glanville
Fritillary and many Painted Ladies. The latter were super-abundant at our next location where
the ground was alive with them feeding on the many Gundelia tournefortii. On the high rocks
were big cushions of Rosularia sempervivum/radiciflora. Eastern Steppe Festoons were busy
close to their foodplant Aristolochia bottae and down in the poplars Peter found a towering
Cephalanthera kotschyana quite the largest I’ve ever seen on this tour. Amanda’s Blues were in
the meadows with mating Lesser Fiery Copper and Brown Argus.
Afterwards we passed worrying tracts of road widening but fortunately our next site was spared
as a tunnel was being built just two hundred yards before to bypass this section of road! Here
there was a superb mix of showy Astragalus with the big golden ‘shuttlecocks’ of angustiflorus,
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sweetly scented creamy white fragrans and a frustratingly unnameable reddish pink one. There
were Eastern Steppe Festoons here too. A bit further up and an area of scree had big clumps of
golden-tubed Onosma nemoricolum, Silene ampullaria, Coronilla orientalis, Astragalus
caraganae and a big snake was photographed.
Our last stop was in an elm plantation with gorgeous meadows of Rhinanthus angustifolius that
were too perfect to walk through so we went round and down to where there many lovely
Lathyrus rotundifolius and good Orchis coriophora. However, the latter were abundant further
over along with good colonies of both Ophrys sphegodes transhyrcana and excellent specimens
of Ophrys fuciflora in a variety of lovely colour forms.
Day 9 31st May Guzeldere
A heavy haze lay across the lake and surroundings although we could still see the pair of Black-
necked Grebes that were fishing on the perfectly still waters as we ate breakfast. We drove out
across the steppe seeing the fluttering white standards of Iris paradoxa as we went. These were
seen close up at our first stop at a large graveyard which also had dozens of golden-yellow
Eremurus spectabilis, the handsome pink Tragopogon porrifolius, black-eyed scarlet Adonis
aestivalis and some huge examples of Allium akaka. Although many of these flowers had been
transplanted to the graves it was nonetheless all indigenous to the surrounding area and
interesting too see such as colourful mixture that wouldn’t necessarily occur together in the wild.
Small Heaths were common and there were one or two red-sided Ophiosus elegans lizards, huge
stands of deep blue Anchusa azurea and spurge eating caterpillars before we left.
Our next stop was for an area of sloping steppe near Zernek Reservoir and here there was the
pale blue flowered shrub Cassinia macrantha, the creamy-bracted Hymenocrater bituminosa
and some strange Acrocephalus warblers were buzzing about but we couldn’t really work these
out. The group divided into a bird bus and a flower bus with the bird bus heading off to a special
wadi (despite a wrong turn by me) where we quickly found both Mongolian Trumpeter Finch
and Trumpeter Finch enjoying excellent views of both on, as it turned out, the many occasions
we saw them today walking up the wadi. There was a brief appearance of two Pale Rock
Sparrows but the stars of the show were the two finches, with some superb close views.
Moving on to Hoşap we stopped to photograph the castle and then drove up to the 2790 metre
Guzeldere Pass. After checking in with the army we drove a short way and then parked up.
Right next to the vans were half a dozen Bellevalia rixii in perfect condition and as we walked
down the track we soon found Tulipa humilis and a couple of yellow Tulipa koyuncii. This tulip
has only recently been split from the widespread Tulipa biflora, and though clearly of that group,
it certainly seems to warrant full species status. It is named after Mehmet Koyuncu, formerly
Proffessor of Botany and vice-chancellor of Van University and who has on a couple of
occasions accompanied our groups to this very spot. A gully with both wet flushes and dry
patches held a superb mix of flowers with both Primula auriculata and algida, deepest blue
Gentiana verna, tall white Anemone narcissiflora, yellow Trollius ranunculinus and then in the
serpentine scree a wonderful colony of Fritillaria crassifolia ssp crassifolia with red and green
striped bells. A Griffon Vulture cruised over as we ate lunch in rather blustery conditions.
We drove a short distance to small valley with marshy areas choc-a-bloc with Primula
auriculata and quite a few gentians. But some of us were after something else with blue and it
duly turned up when we were treated to stunning close views of a male Bluethroat. A Tree Pipit
was also about, display-flighting and then parachuting down to earth – and sadly Lesley could
have used the same anti-gravity aid.
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Day 10 1st June Çatak Road
A pre-breakfast visit to Van Marsh saw the early risers walking through the dew-laden grass to
find Great Reed Warbler, many Sedge Warblers and Black-headed Wagtails, then a series of
pools with Black-winged Stilts, Kentish and Little Ringed Plovers and a solitary male Red-
necked Phalarope. As we started to walk back there was a singing male Reed Bunting and then
great views of a male Citrine Wagtail.
After breakfast we headed out into the steppe areas stopping for a pair of well-positioned
Rollers then carrying on to an area of rocky slopes where we saw Grey-necked Bunting well
along with a Willow Warbler and Black-eared Wheatears. On a different slope nearby, we all
trekked up across the limestone among which grew pretty Astragalus nanus and a few decent
Bellevalia longistyla. Annoyingly Iris sari was still in bud but as we descended there were one
of two Tulipa sintenisii, Shore Larks, Bimaculated Larks and Tawny Pipits plus the local colour
of many village women coming down from the hills to milk the sheep and goats.
Not far away and another location did produce several fine irises with some good colour forms
as well as impressive stands of Muscari caucasica, the purple-blue Nepeta transcaucasica and
great swathes of the buttercup Ranunculus sericeus that were also home to a pair of Redshanks.
Lunch was in an area of low cliffs and screes where Golden Eagle flew across and in the cliffs
and screes were Centaurea karduchorum, Astragalus lagurus, fine stands of Hesperis persica,
Roemeria refracta and big domes of Minuartia juniperina. Post-lunch we stopped for much
better examples of Centaurea karduchorum and just up the gully many huge Muscari longipes.
Crimson-winged Finch flew alongside the van briefly as we drove onto a wonderful area of
steppe with dozens of Iris paradoxa, a group of big-flowered Linaria grandiflora, cut-leaved
Salvia ceratophylla, billowing clumps of yellow Astragalus caraganae and a fine plant of lovely
pink Weidemanniana laciniata.
A last stop was for stands of tall Allium hirtifolium growing near Van.
Day 11 2nd June Karabel Pass
A wonderful day in the mountains began with a stop for an area of cliffs initially for a plant but
as soon as we arrived a special bird appeared with a pair of Kurdish Wheatears seen by all. The
plant was also special, the fine white flowered Potentilla lignosa with flowering plants nestled
in rock crevices. On the adjacent slopes was magenta to lilac-pink flowered Hesperis persica.
The male wheatear reappeared just before we left, singing on a high rock perch. Low
conglomerate cliffs lined the road as we drove up, stopping to photograph a classic rural scene
with a group of colourful local women milking goats, the men for the most part herding the
animals and lining them up for their turn.
Around the first snow patches we stopped for the huge pink goblets of Merendera kurdica with
pale blue Puschkinia ‘Karabel’ (an unnamed new species) scattered about and higher on the
slopes the lovely pure yellow bells of Fritillaria minima, good specimens of Corydalis
oppositifolia and Tulipa humilis. Radde’s Accentor was seen well in various places, by the road,
on the rocks and creeping about in the emergent fennels and there were also Black Redstart and
Northern Wheatear.
We drove on (at which point I chose to leave the scope behind – never to be seen again!) and
drove up and over the pass with dramatic snow-filled cirques and valleys and then down the
steep section towards the village of Bahcesaray stopping at a superb viewpoint with the village
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nestled at the bottom among walnut groves. Unbelievably when we arrived there was another
male Kurdish Wheatear perched on a rock only ten metres away. His mate wasn’t far away
either and she came and wrestled with a length of twine on the ground no doubt as potential
nesting material. The slopes were full of Euphorbia macrocarpa and many excellent Fritillaria
crassifolia ssp crassifolia and Tulipa humilis. There was also the odd flowering plant of
handsome Rindera albida too and alpine Choughs wheeled across every so often.
We drove back up to the pass stopping for view photos and a Radde’s Accentor and then
dropped down and down to a small village where we drove a short way up a track to an area of
slopes and wet flushes full of big Dactylorhiza umbrosa. There were Muscari aucheri,
Bellevalia fominii and a few Allium sp, but the real reason for being here was to try and see the
fabulous intensely red Phelypaea tournefortii again. Peter eventually spotted one, but then
higher up Neville and Mary found a thriving colony with hundreds of buds as well as a splendid
group of four perfect flowers and several other singles and pairs. A fine way to round off the
day and from here we drove back (after village children photos) direct to the hotel having
dodged all of the promised rain!
Day 12 3rd June Akdamar Island
A fine calm morning that was perfect for sailing. We crossed the glassy waters of the lake to
craggy Akdamar Island with its well restored Armenian church. Before we landed the boat
circumnavigated the island passing by the extensive Armenian Gull colonies which made the
whole thing feel like an oceanic bird island. There were many Rock Doves (the real thing) and
hiding in the trees Night Herons. Once we landed there were masses of brilliant red Roemeria
refracta, stands of white Ornithogalum shelkovnikovii and big architectural Smyrnium
cordifolium. Olivaceous Warblers chattered from the almond trees and above on the higher parts
of the island was a constant swirl of birds with Choughs, both Lesser Kestrel and Kestrel, many
Night Herons flying to and fro and Bill and Peter alerted me to a rather special raptor - a Lanner
Falcon - that was being harried by Lesser Kestrels as it soared above the island. Elsewhere
Neville and John had found a superb Giant Peacock Moth and most of us had enjoyed a drink in
the shade on a warm day. Returning back to the ‘mainland’ we had a very tasty lunch of guvec,
bulgur wheat, yogurt and water melon. Afterwards the group split into shoppers and steppers
with the former going into Van to look around and the latter coming with me to revisit areas
along the atak road. Our first port of call was the warm rocky gully where we’d stopped the
other day for superb Muscari longipes. They were still there and looking just as good, but there
was plenty more especially butterflies with Lesser Fiery Copper, Brown Argus, Green-underside
Blue, Gruner’s Orange-tip and best of all Pfieffer’s Green Hairstreak with at one point a mating
pair being pestered by a third interloper. Birds were evident too with the constant buzz of Grey-
necked Buntings, a pair of Rock Thrush with beaks full of food, White-throated Robin and
Crimson-winged Finch. The latter was seen very well back by the roadside with its
characteristic ‘punky’ black Mohican and pink flashed wings. Plants along the gully and
adjacent slopes included Fibbigia suffruticosa, Convolvulus cantabricus, Coronilla orientalis,
Astragalus macrocephalus, Allium akaka and more Centaurea karduchorum.
We decided to revisit the easier of the two Iris sari populations afterwards and we were well
rewarded with many more lovely flowers in a variety of colour forms and a couple of Iris sari x
paradoxa hybrids exhibiting differing degrees of parentage, but both with obvious blue
standards. Calling Quails, colourful Black-headed Wagtails and fine stands of Pedicularis
comosa completed the experience.
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On the way back there was time to stop for handsome Astragalus oocephalus with large globose
yellow flowerheads and an even nicer yellow Citrine Wagtail.
Day 13 4th June Ercek Golu
Our last day in the field and a very good one too, starting with a visit to another of Van’s
wetlands early morning where we saw Spur-winged Plovers, Red-crested Pochards, many
White-headed Ducks, Great Crested Grebes, Greater Flamingo and Great Reed Warbler all in
the wonderful, peaceful watery setting with dramatic snow-streaked mountains behind. For the
main part of the day we also began with a wetland, a small pond next to the much larger Ercek
Golu (a less alkaline version of Van – but alkaline enough to colour the wings of the Coots with
a pale crust). White-headed Ducks were also here as were Reed, Sedge and Moustached
Warblers, Pochard and Black-necked Grebes (on the main lake).
Moving on a short distance we stopped for a field full of colourful arable flowers with Papaver
macrostomum (similar to rhoeas the Corn Poppy), pink Silene conica and stands of yellowish
Euphorbia heterodenta. Lesser Short-toed Larks were seen well and were actually quite
common all day in the fields. Beyond a large village we arrived at a real botanical feast with
water meadows absolutely choc-a-bloc with deep pink Orchis pseudolaxiflora quite literally in
their hundreds of thousands with a pink haze stretch away to the low hills far beyond. Among
them were louseworts and in the ditches some good Flowering Rush Butomus umbellatus.
Silver-studded Blue was seen by Bill.
The local authorities had built two tall viewing towers for birdwatching, which were locked but
a wobbly railing meant we could squeeze in a climb up to see thousands of very distant Greater
Flamingos (sadly just a pinkish line), many Ruddy Shelduck, a few Whiskered Terns and Black-
winged Stilts. We continued around the lake passing through steppe full of yellow Astragalus
caraganae and then stopped by a slope covered in tall Eremostachys laciniata. Our picnic was
had here close to the lakeshore. The season was a bit later than normal this year and this meant
we stood a good chance of seeing the lovely purple Iris barnumae again. At first glance the
location seemed bereft of irises, but walking up a bit and then exploring the surrounding steppe
patches we found many fine flowers and good Gladiolus atroviolaceous groups too. Rose-
coloured Starlings were feeding among the rocks near the vans.
From here we drove back past flowery steppe with slopes peppered with Ornithogalum
shelkovnikovii, Anchusa azurea and a variety of other species, arriving in good time to get ready
for lists, dinner and packing duties.
Day 14 5th June Departure
Check-in and departure went without a hitch and I’m guessing we all got to where we had to get
too! Basak and I returned to Antalya and surprised or rather shocked our little son Merlin with
our return. I was off to China tomorrow so he got extra tickles from me.
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Systematic List Number 1 Plants The majority of the taxonomic order and nomenclature has been taken from the Turkish Flora (edited by
P H Davis) although the more recent treatment of the orchids in Die Orchideen der Turkei (C. A. J.
Kreutz) has been preferred for that group. Grateful thanks in particular to Rodney Burton, Peter Sheasby
and Adil Guner for much of the original identifications and to Mervyn Southam for providing us with so
much useful information on the umbellifers. Non-woody dicot and monocot species are in flower unless
otherwise stated.
This is a composite list based on sightings from 2000 to 2011.
Pteridophyta
Ceterach officinarum Limestone cliffs on Akdamar Island 2011
Cheilanthes persica in the crater of Nemrut. Along the Çatak Road 2011
Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder Fern. Scattered throughout 2011
Equisetum arvense
? south face of Tendürek Pass; Between Hosap and Guzeldere
Pass.
Equisetum palustris meadows between Tatvan and Hizan. 2009 2011
Equisetum ramossisimum Between Van and Dogubeyazit 2011
Cupressaceae
Juniperus oxycedrus Ridge above Ishak Paşa
Juniperus communis in the crater of Nemrut.2009 2011
Juniperus excelsa
Mountainsides to the south of Kucuksu; between Tatvan and
Hizan; On the road to Çatak. 2009 2011
Ephedraceae
Ephedra nebrodense (major)
Crags above Sim-er Hotel; Pamuk Dagi (W slopes of Agri Dagi)
near Cilli Pass. 2011
Ranunculaceae
Adonis aestivalis
Between Van and Muradiye; On the road to Çatak. Fields around
Dogubeyazit 2011
Adonis eriocalycina
Slopes by campsite near Akdamar Ferry and also near Ayamis
Castle; On the road to Çatak. Ercek Golu area. 2011
Adonis flammea
Widespread. A local farmer told us he used it to make an infusion
‘to keep cancer at bay' 2011
Adonis
wolgensis
Noted on the ridge above the Ishak Paºa and also as common on
the lower north-facing slopes of the Tendurek Pass near Somkaya
village 2011
Anemone (Pulsatilla) albana On the crater rim of Nemrut Dagi and at Tendürek Pass. 2011
Anemone narcissiflora
Subspecies willdenowii A little to the north of Tendurek Pass. Güzeldere Pass 2011
Ceratocepahlus testiculatus Less common than following species – e.g. Arin Golu 2011
Ceratocephalus
falcatus Common especially in north
Clematis orientalis Noted 3km east of Tuzluca. 2005 leaves only – Çatak Road
Consolida
orientalis
Quite common in fallow or disturbed ground in the Aras Valley.
Also near Edremit and at Van Kalesi
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Nigella segetalis ? 2006 - Fields near Gevas]
Ranunculus
arvensis
Scattered throughout in fields and waysides 2011
Ranunculus
brachylobus
subsp. incisilobatus
Kuskuniran Pass – just on the east side as well as Tendürek Pass.
In the crater of Nemrut; between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass.
Ranunculus bulbilliferus
Has bulbils in the axils of the stem leaves. Tripartite or trisect
leaves, sepals spreading. Described as recently as 1992 as being
new to Turkey – from Van area. Top of the Kizkunkiran Pass
Ranunculus
constantinopolitanus Wet meadows along the Van circular south side. 2011
Ranunculus crateris 2005. Noted between Van and Bendimahi – very distinctive leaves 2011
Ranunculus cuneatus
First noted around the Sim-er and as quite common in dry areas
north of Lake Van 2011
Ranunculus dissectus
Subsp. Huetii On the road to Karabet Pass and between Van and Bendimahi 2011
Ranunculus diversifolius
The tall large-leaved buttercup in the woodlands south of Lake
Van 2009 2011
Ranunculus fenzlii
Another tall large-leaved buttercup in the woodlands south of
Lake Van! 2011
Ranunculus grandiflorus Both sides of Tendurek Pass in saturated ground 2009 2011
Ranunculus illyricus The Cilli Pass west of Ararat; in the crater of Nemrut. 2011
Ranunculus isthmicus north of Van, fruits like a clown's hat 2009 2011
Ranunculus kochii By snowmelt at many localities – like a squat celandine! 2009 2011
Ranunculus kotschyi
Wet meadows east of Agri and Nemrut Dagi Crater – locally
common 2009
Ranunculus myosuroides 2005 just coming into flower on the Karabet Pass
Ranunculus poluninii 2005. Karabet Pass – just coming into flower
Ranunculus polyanthemos
between Tatvan and Hizan; between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass
2009 2011
Ranunculus polyrhizos
On the ridgetop south of the Guzeldere Pass. Near top of
Tendurek Pass 2011
Ranunculus repens
Noted near Igdir and near Bolukyazi. Scattered in wet areas
around Van.
Ranunculus sceleratus
Wetlands at base of Mount Ararat in several localities and also
seen in wet meadows near Adilcevaz 2009
Ranunculus sericeus
Wet meadows near Bendimahi and along south shore of Lake Van
2009 2011
Ranunculus sphaerospermus A water crowfoot. Roadside ditches just outside Dogubeyazit 2009 2011
Ranunculus vanensis South of Van circular – top of Kizkinkiran Pass
Thalictrum flavum Riversides and wet areas south of Lake Van 2009
Thalictrum isopyroides
Scattered in mountains south of Lake Van. Flowering at 2750m at
this season 2009 2011
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Thalictrum minus
shaley slopes between Ercek & Ozalp, above Ishak Paºa Palace &
many other places 2009 2011
Trollius ranunculinus
A few plants on the Guzeldere Pass east of Hosap. 2005 only
leaves seen. A few in flower 2009 2011
Acanthaceae
Acanthus dioscoridis
In leaf and early bud along the south side of Lake Van.Summer
2004 found in good flower at several localities
Paeoniaceae
Paeonia mascula
Flowering in Aspen Woodland and scrub above the village of
Tugkoyu 2009 2011
Berberidaceae
Bongardia chrysogonum 2005. Roadsides between Van and Bendimahi
Leontice leontopetalum
Subspecies not known. In seed by Muradiye Waterfall. Should
check next time as it might be armeniacum which hasn't been
recorded in Turkey before? 2009 2011
Papaveraceae
Glaucium corniculatum Aras Valley. Zernek 2009 2011
Glaucium grandiflorum Zernek 2011
Hypecoum pendulum Scattered localities around Van 2009 2011
Papaver arenarium? Muradiye Waterfall – side valley 2011
Papaver commutatum
2004 Noted east of the Sim-er, Dogubeyazit – orchards in the next
village 2011
Papaver dubium Subspecies laevigatum
Papaver macrostomum Ercek Lake 2011
Papaver persicum
This taxon includes previously separate Papavers fugax tauricola
and acrochaetum all of which were seen – the and acrochaetum all
to the south and east of Van 2009 hairs. Noted in a variety of
localities most at about lake level of which were seen – theand
acrochaetum all of which were seen – the and acrochaetum all of
which were seen – the 2011
Papaver pseud-orientale
Muradiye Waterfall – side valley – in bud; above Ishak Paºa
Palace, Dogubayazit. 2005 only in leaf 2011
Papaver rhoeas Weeds on fields. 2009 2011
Roemeria hybrida
Purple. Few in flower by the Van-Agri-Dogubeyazit road
junction; between Ercek Lake and Ozalp. Çatak Road 2009
Roemeria refracta Bright red. Widespread around Van 2009 2011
Fumariaceae
Corydalis nariniana Guzeldere Pass. Spur almost straight.
Corydalis oppositifolia
Subspecies kurdica
Nemrut Dagi crater and also on the east side of Kuskunkiran Pass
and on the south face of Tendürek 2011
Fumaria asepala Scattered throughout 2009 2011
Fumaria microcarpa In the Aras Valley 15km west of Tuzluca
Fumaria officinalis Cilli Pass west of Ararat 2011
Fumaria parviflora South of Van circular 2009
Fumaria vaillantii 2004 Near Dogubeyazit 2011
Brassicacae
Aethionema seen but not yet identified 2009
Aethionema arabicum Scattered throughout 2009 2011
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Aethionema armenum Either side of Muradiye Waterfall
Aethionema grandiflorum but flowers smaller and darker and plant more woody 2009 2011
Aethionema grandiflorum Widespread in the Van region. At least one more
Aethionema membranaceum Between Van-Muradiye-Dogubayezit 2011
Aethionema speciosum ? Hillsides west of Resadiye on the Van circular. Like 2011
Aethionema trinervium ? Ridge above the Ishak Paºa and Guzeldere Pass 2009 2011
Akdamar ferry 2009
Alliaria petiolata Scattered 2009 2011
Alyssum condensatum ? Nominate. Lip of Nemrut Dagi's crater
Alyssum contemptum ? 2km below Kurubas Pass – south of Van
Alyssum dasycarpum ? Tendurek and Caldiran areas 2011
Alyssum desetorum 2005 Ishak Paºa
Alyssum lepidotum ? 2km below Kurubas Pass – south of Van
Alyssum linifolium Crags behind Sim-er Hotel and also shales east of Ercek Golu
Alyssum longistylum ? High ridge south of Guzeldere Pass
Alyssum minus 2km below Kurubas Pass – south of Van 2009 2011
Alyssum stapfii 2005 Ishak Paºa
Alyssum xanthocarpum ? 2km below Kurubas Pass – south of Van
Anchonium elichrysifolium Scattered – smells of pudding! 2011
annual Draba near Kucuksu that is not in the flora
Arabidopsis thaliana Between Dogruyol and Bolukyazi, near Bitlis 2009
Arabis (Turritis ) glabra Cilli Gecidi on Ararat
Arabis caucasica Nominate. Widespread 2009 2011
Arabis montbretiana ? Hillsides west of Resadiye on the Van circular
Arabis nova Cilli Gecidi on Ararat; above Ishak Paºa Palace. 2011
Barbarea minor ? Aras Valley near Calpala; On the road to Karabet Pass.
Bornmuellera cappadocica Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. 2009 2011
Capsella bursa-pastoris Widespread. 2009 2011
Cardamine impatiens 2005 Muradiye and Nemrut Dagi
Cardamine uliginosa Scattered 2009 2011
Cardaria draba Widespread on road verges etc 2009 2011
Coluteocarpus vesicaria
Subspecies boissieri. Lip of Nemrut Dagi crater
Coluteocarpus vesicaria
Subspecies vesicaria Above Ishak Paºa Palaca, Dogubayazit and at Tendürek Pass.
Conringia orientalis Roadsides – e.g. in the Agri area; south of the harbour for 2011
Crambe orientalis Scattered throughout 2009 2011
Descurainia sophia Widespread in the Aras Valley and Dogubeyazit areas 2009 2011
Draba bruniifolia Subspecies indeterminate. A variety of forms were noted 2011
Draba cappadocica High ridge south of Guzeldere Pass. Rodney also spotted an
Draba polytricha Above the Ishak Paºa and on the Tendürek Pass.
Draba rosularis Tendürek Pass; Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass.2009 2011
Draba siliquosa Tendürek Pass.
Drabopsis verna Tendürek Pass; in the crater of Nemrut.
Erophila verna Scattered
Erysimum alpestre Tendurek Pass 2011
Erysimum leptophyllum ? Scattered throughout the area north of Lake Van
Erysimum sintenisianum
Synonymous with Erysimum alpestre ? East side of the
Kuskunkiran Pass south Van circular
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Euclidium syriacum Scattered
Fibigia macrocarpa Ravine on road to Bolukyazi near Bitlis 2011
Fibigia suffruticosa South of Kurubas Pass – south of Van,west of Ercek 2009
from most rocky areas 2009
Hesperis bicuspidata 2005 Zernek 2009
Hesperis persica On the road to Karabet Pass. Guzeldere 2009 2011
Hesperis rupestris Steppe between Ahlat and Tatvan 2011
Isatis cappadocica
Subspecies steveniana Scattered in the Van area 2009 2011
Isatis glauca Steppe 10km west of Dogubeyazit. In bud 2011
Isatis tinctoria Subspecies
tomentella ? Ravine with road to Bulakyazi,2009 2011
Lepidium campestre Meadows just east of Kucuksu on the Van circular
Lepidium cartilagineum
Subspecies crassifolium Near Ayamis Castle
Lepidium latifolium Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass.
Lepidium pefoliatum Locally common in the Dogubeyazit area as well as near 2011
Lepidium vesicarium This highly distinctive plant with very swollen stem nodes 2011
Malcolmia africana Scattered 2009 2011
Matthiola anchoniifolia (farinosa )2005 Zernek
Matthiola odorantissima Nominate. Ridge above Ishak Paºa. 2011
Matthiola longipetala
Subspecies bicornis Guzeldere Pass and ravine at junction of road to Çatak 2009
Neslia apiculata Noted west of Ercek; On the road to Çatak.
Rorippa nasturtium-
officinale between Tatvan and Hizan. Adilcevaz meadows 2009
Rorippa sylvestris Aras Valley near Calpala
Schimperia arabica
? On shales to the east of Ercek Golu. New to Turkey! Similar to
Neslia but with ong straight style; petals whitish and a few simple
hairs
Sisymbrium loeselii Scattered around Dogubeyazit and in the Aras Valley 2009
Sterigmostemum incanum 2km below Kurubas Pass – south of Van
Thlaspi arvense ? Meadows by Tugkoyu
Thlaspi kurdicum ? High ridge south of Guzeldere Pass. ?Cilli Pass
Thlaspi perfoliatum in the crater of Nemrut; Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass
Torularia spp Crags south of Sim-er Hotel. Not in flora
Resedaceae
Reseda lutea Scattered on steppe and disturbed habitats. 2009 2011
Cistaceae
Helianthemum ledifolium Between Van and Bendimahi 2011
Helianthemum salicifolium
North slope of Nemrut Dagi and 2km below Kurubas Pass south
of Van 2009
Violaceae
Viola arvensis Cilli Pass west of Ararat 2011
Viola kitaibeliana in the crater of Nemrut. Tendurek Pass. Cilli Pass. 2009 2011
Viola modesta Scattered in rocky areas in the north
Viola occulta Roadsides near Taslicay east of Agri. Cilli Pass
Viola sieheana between Dogubayezit and Ahlat. Tendurek Pass. 2011
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Polygalaceae
Polygala alpestris 2005 well out of range but clearly this species on the Cilli Pass.
Polygala anatolica
11km south of Kucuksu, south of Tatvan; between Van-Muradiye-
Dogubayazit; between Tatvan and Hizan. 2009
Polygala hohenbekeriana Tendurek Pass 2009
Caryophyllaceae
Arenaria cucubaloides 11km south of Kucuksu, south of Tatvan
Arenaria gypsophiloides The Aras Valley 16km beyond Tuzluca 2009
Arenaria holostea Subspecies
macrantha Crags and rocky slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit 2011
Arenaria holostea Subspecies
macrantha Crags and rocky slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit
Cerastium armeniacum ? Various spots around Muradiye Waterfall
Cerastium dahuricum
? on south slopes of Tendürek Pass. Oak woodlands south side of
Van Lake.
Cerastium dahuricum
? on south slopes of Tendürek Pass. Oak woodlands south side of
Van Lake.
Cerastium longipetala Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass.
Cerastium purpurascens Guzeldere Pass, Tendürek Pass 2009
Cucubalus baccifer Oak woodlands near Resadiye on the south Van circular
Gypsophila bitlisensis ? Shales east of Earcek Golu 2011
Gypsophila elegans
Walls of Aras Valley 16km beyond Tuzluca and 2km below
Kurubas Pass south of Van
Gypsophila patrinii
Crags south of Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit and same crags above
Ishak Paºa
Gypsophila patrinii
Crags south of Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit and same crags above
Ishak Paºa
Gypsophila pulvinaris
The Vegetable Sheep (purported to be Gypsophila aretoides
Hotel, Dogubeyazit and also noted on the same crags above the
Ishak Paºa 2009 2011
Gypsophila ruscifolia Ahlat area
Herniaria agaea 2004. Tendurek. Sepals ciliate, leaves glabrous
Herniaria glabra Scattered 2009
Herniaria incana Scattered
Holosteum umbellatum Scattered throughout 2009 2011
Lepyrodiclis holostioides Picnic site near Igdir
Lepyrodiclis tenera
? ‘Kate's Gully' near the Ishak Paºa, Dogubeyazit. Petals pink.New
to Turkey if correct!
Minuartia acuminata
? Just below Guzeldere Pass on the east side. New to Turkey if
correct!
Minuartia hamata Crags south of Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit
Minuartia hybrida Subspecies turcica. Between Dogruyol and Bolukyazi near Bitlis
Minuartia juniperina On the road to Çatak. 2009 2011
Minuartia lineata 2km below Asaginarlica at foot of Karabet Pass, Zernek 2011
Minuartia sclerantha ? Near Ayamis Castle and elsewhere 2009 2011
Moenchia mantica Nominate. Noted in grasslands around Ahlat and Tatvan
Paronychia kurdica South Van Circular and Akdamar Island 2009
Paronychia turcica ? Akdamar Island
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Saponaria sp
sp Aras Valley near Calpala – apparently not in flora? Same or
another species seen on the Bitlis circuit! 2009
Scleranthus uncinatus West Lake Van area; between Ercek Lake and Ozalp.
Silene alba Subspecies
eriocalycina . Bendimahi, Cilli Pass; South of Van circular. 2011
Silene ampullata
on south slopes of Tendürek Pass; between Tatvan and Hizan;
south of the harbour for Akdamar ferry. 2009 2011
Silene araratica
? Caespitose white flowered campion in crevices on Van Castle
may have been this species? In flower now though
Silene capitellata Oak woodlands around Tatvan where common 2009 2011
Silene cappadocica [2006 - Cilli Pass]
Silene chlorifolia
2km south of Kurubas Pass, south of Van. Noted east of Ercek.
The plants at Zernek fit well other than their habit of being single
flowered! 2011
Silene conica Adilcevaz area. Bitlis Circuit
Silene conoidea Scattered throughout 2009 2011
Silene dianthoides
? Near Muradiye Waterfall – possibly this species. Also Tendurek
Pass 2011
Silene pungens ? High ridge south of Guzeldere Pass
Silene spergulifolia
Crags and rocky slopes south of Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit and
above Ishak Paºa Palace, Dogubayazit; in the crater of Nemrut; On
the road to Çatak. 2009 2011
Silene vulgaris subspecies
commutata Wdespread, mainly in bud in 2009 2011
Stellaria persica Near Bolukyazi 2011
Vaccaria hispanica Fields in the Aras Valley near Calpala.
Polygonaceae
Rheum ribes
East end of Zernek Baraji and also shales east of ercek Golu. This
was also the ‘rhubarb'-like thing being sold in local markets! 2009 2011
Polygonum alpinum on north slopes of Tendürek Pass.
Polygonum cognatum Between Dogruyol and Bolukyazi, near Bitlis 2009
Polygonum aviculare Between Ercis and Ahlat
Polygonum polycnemoides Tatvan area
Polygonum amphibium 2005 Zernek
Rumex acetosa [2006 - Bitlis Circuit]
Rumex acetosella Widespread on disturbed habitats.
Rumex scutatus
Ravine near Bolukyazi, Bitlis & at Muradiye Waterfall; South of
Van circular. 2011
Rumex angustifolius 11km south of Kucuksu
Rumex crispus Meadows 1km east of Kucuksu 2009
Atraphaxis sp. 2005 Zernek
Chenopodiaceae
Beta corolliflora ? Muradiye Waterfall
Chenopodium vulvaria ? Shales east of Ercek Golu
Bassia (Kochia)) prostrata Scattered around Van
Salsola ruthenica Near Tuzluca's salt mine
Tamaricaceae
Myricaria germanica Seen along the river east of Agri and near Hosap 2009
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Guttiferae
Hypericum lydium 11km south of Kucuksu, Tatvan; On the road to Çatak. 2009
Hypericum helianthemoides ? East end of Zernek Baraji, near Hosap
Hypericum scabrum Widespread 2009 2011
Hypericum perforatum Widespread 2009
Malvaceae
Malva neglecta
Scattered in steppe. Between Tuzluca and Igdir; between Ercek
Lake and Ozalp. Akdamar Island. 2009
Linaceae
Linim hirsutum 2005 large blue flowers. Ishak Paºa 2009
Linum austriacum Common in Dogubeyazit area 2009 2011
Linum densiflorum [The large white flowered species along the Çatak road]
Linum flavum Ahlat 2011
Linum meletonis Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass; On the road to Çatak
Linum mucronatum
Subspecies armenum
Oak woodlands near Resadiye on the Van circular and 2km below
the Kurubas Pass south of Van; in the crater of Nemrut. 2009 2011
Linum nervosum ? Cilli Pass on Ararat and 11km east of Kucuksu, near Tatvan
Linum pycnophyllum ?
Subspecies kurdicum ? Kurubas Pass south of Van and west of Dogubeyazit
Linum trinervium Nemrut 2011
Geraniaceae
Biebersteinia multifida
This is the strange foetid-leaved plant found by Rodney found
with the Iris sari on the Çatak Road south of Van. Tuberous foetid
herb with narrow bipinnatifid leaves and 5 pale yellow laciniate
petals. Little known in Turkey 2009
Erodium absinthoides
? Cilli Pass, Ararat and also Aras Valley walls 16km past Tuzluca,
north-facing slope of Tendurek Pass
Erodium cicutarium Roadsides 1km east of Kucuksu, Van circular 2009 2011
Geranium collinum North-facing slopes of Tendurek Pass
Geranium molle between Tatvan and Hizan. Akdamar. 2009
Geranium pratensis
subspecies kurdicum 2005. Along South side of Lake Van
Geranium pyreniacum South side of Lake Van 2009 2011
Geranium rotundifolium Akdamar Island; South of Van circular. Bitlis Circuit 2009
Geranium stepporum Widespread on steppes 2009 2011
Geranium tuberosum Widespread in the north 2009 2011
Geranium
tuberosum/stepporum Cilli Pass, Ararat. Intermediate between two species? 2011
Zygophyllaceae
Peganum harmala
Widespead on steppe, Van Kalesi; Between Hosap and Guzeldere
Pass. 2009 2011
Tribulis terrestris Steppe near Hosap 2011
Zygophyllum fabago Hosap and Van Kalesi 2009
Rutaceae
Haplophyllum
schelkovnikovii ? Near Ayamis Castle; west of Van Lake, on slopes of Nemrut.
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Aceraceae
Acer hyrcanum subsp.
tauricolum. South of Van circular. 2009 2011
Acer monspessulanum
subsp. cinarescens. South of Van circular. Çatak Road. Akdamar Island 2009
Acer negundo [2006 - between Van & Dogubeyazit] 2011
Acer platanoides 2006 - Nemrut Dagi]
Rhamnaceae
Rhamnus pallasii
in the crater of Nemrut; between Tatvan and Hizan; On the road
to Çatak. Meteor 2011
Fabaceae
Astragalus alyssoides
North-facing slopes on the Tendurek Pass and east side of the
Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale. Small, scapose
Astragalus angustiflorus
subsp. Angustiflorus
2B, 10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along
minor road. Acaulous, yellow; between Tatvan and Hizan. 2009 2011
Astragalus armeniacus ? Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit
Astragalus bicolor
? 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van. Subscapose,
lilac
Astragalus camopylosema
Subspecies nigripilis
Marly slopes at east end of Zernek Reservoir on the Hosap road.
Between Ercek Lake and Ozalp. Scapose 2011
Astragalus caraganae
Roadsides near the hotel at Ahlat, Bendimahi Marshes at NE
corner of Lake Van, and Muradiye Waterfall area.Caulescent,
peduncles short, yellow 2009 2011
Astragalus chaldiranicus on hills near Caldiran.
Astragalus cinereus
? Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit.
Scapose, yellow 2011
Astragalus clavatus ? Between Ercek Lake and Ozalp.
Astragalus cylindriacus ? Scattered. Scapose, yellow
Astragalus densifolius
? Ravine at junction of road to Çatak en route back from Karabet
Pass. Scapose, purple
Astragalus fragrans
North-facing slopes on the Tendurek Pass.Definitely seen west of
Kuzgunkiran Pass 2009 2011
Astragalus guttatus ? East shores of Ercek Golu. An annual
Astragalus halicacabus
? Muradiye Waterfall area - at entry side of valley. Muradiye
Waterfall.
Astragalus hirticalyx Between Ercek Lake and Ozalp.
Astragalus hyalolepis
? Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit.
Scapose, purple
Astragalus lagopoides
South side of Kurubas Pass, south of Van and again 2km or o
south of the Kurubas Pass. Spiny, racemes held above leaves.
Calyx reddish; between Ercek Lake and Ozalp.
Astragalus latifolius
Scattered throughout. Acaulous. Yellow, leaflets very few and
broad. Common in the Zernek area.2009 2011
Astragalus lagurus Catak, Pale pink, hairy long flower heads 2011
Astragalus lineatus ssp.
longipes Güzeldere Pass
Astragalus macrocephalus
Subsp. Finitimus .etween Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. 2009
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Astragalus macrourus
Oak woodlands west of Resadiye on the south Van circular.
Scapose, yellow
Astragalus microcephalus Bitlis circuit
Astragalus nanus Catak, purple-pink globose flower heads, very hairy leaves 2011
Astragalus onobrychis
Marly slopes at east end of Zernek Reservoir on the Hosap road.
Caulescent, purple
Astragalus ornithopoioides
? 10km west of Dogubeyazit on Agri road, Muradiye Waterfall
area. Caulescent, purple 2011
Astragalus pinetorum ? Meadows 1km northeast of Caldiran. Acaulous, yellow
Astragalus rechingeri
? The eastern approach to the Karabet Pass – actually at the crag
above the picnic site. Spiny. White flowers with a pink flush
Astragalus stevenianus
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road. Caulescent, purple
Astragalus subrobustus
Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular. Scapose, violet
Astragalus viridissisimus
above Ishak Pasa, Prostrate, scapose, reddish-purple flower and
calyx, hairless 2011
Cicer anatolicum
Muradiye Waterfall area, Muradiye Waterfall area; between
Tatvan and Hizan. 2009 2011
Chesneya rytidosperma Meteor 2011
Colutea cilicica Oak woodlands near Resadiye on the south Van circular 2011
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Hillsides 3km east of Tuzluca. Çatak Road and south side of Van
Lake
Hedysarum cappadocicum ? Marly slopes at east end of Zernek Reservoir on the Hosap road
Lathyrus aphaca Cilli Pass west of Ararat 2009
Lathyrus cicera
Environs of Ayamis Castle north of Van and roadsides in the area;
between Tatvan and Hizan. 2009 2011
Lathyrus inconspicuus
11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular, also Akdamar
Island
Lathyrus nissolia
Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular 2009
Lathyrus pratensis
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road and near Bolukyazi en route to Bitlis. In leaf in 2005
Lathyrus roseus
Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular. Scapose, violet
Lathyrus rotundifolius Noted on the south Van circular. Bitlis Circuit 2009 2011
Lathyrus setifolius [2006 - Bitlis Circuit] 2009 2011
Lathyrus tubersosus Oak woodlands near Bolukyazi en route to Bitlis 2009
Lotus corniculatus Widespread 2009
Lotus pedunculatus [2006 - near Dogubeyazit]
Medicago lupulina 2km west of Taslicay, east of Agri; Above Ishak Paºa
Medicago medicaginoides Also known as Trigonella arcuata. Salt mine at Tuzluca
Medicago minima
Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular. Van Kalesi?
Medicago monantha
Nominate. Marly slopes at east end of Zernek Reservoir on the
Hosap road, and environs of Ayamis Castle north of Van and
roadsides in the area
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Medicago orthoceras
? Around Sim-er Hotel near Dogubeyazit, Meadows 14km east of
Adilcevaz
Medicago polymorpha 1km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular
Medicago radiata Ahlat 2011
Medicago rigidula Ahlat 2011
Medicago sativa Nominate. Scattered
Medicago x varia Tendurek 2011
Melilotus altissima 2005 ?probably this species along roadsides etc.
Onobrychis atropatana 2005. East of Ercek. Also another unidentified
Onobrychis cornuta
Widespread. Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel,
Dogubeyazit and on the south side of Kurubas Pass, south of v 2011
Onobrychis galegifolia
? Environs of Ayamis Castle north of Van and roadsides in the
area
Onobrychis radiata
10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along minor
road and 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van;
between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. Very pretty!
Onobrychis spp
2005. East of Ercek. Also another unidentified species seen in the
area
Onobrychis sulphureus
vanensis 2005. Another stunning species. Zernek
Pisum sativum Subspecies
elatius East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat 2009
Robinia pseudacacia 2005 Scattered as a planted tree 2009 2011
Securigera (Coronilla )
orientalis
11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular, in the ravine on
the Bitlis to Bolukyazi road, and 2km or so south of the Kurubas
Pass south of Van. Adilcevaz – by the road! 2009 2011
Sophora alopecuroides Roadsides in the Aras Valley. Edremit area near Van. 2009
Trifolium arvense south of the harbour for Akdamar ferry. Zernek.2009 2011
Trifolium campestre Near Sarikum between Ahlat and Tatvan 2009 2011
Trifolium hybridum Scattered throughout
Trifolium nigrescens
Subspecies petrisavii . Terraces at west edge of Dogruyol village near Bitlis
Trifolium pauciflorum
ID as Trifolium pilulare on the tour. Terraces at west edge of
Dogruyol village near Bitlis 2009
Trifolium phleoides
ID asTrifolium arvense on the tour. Near Sarikum between Ahlat
and Tatvan, and in terraces at west edge of Dogruyol village near
Bitlis
Trifolium physodes
Hill above Tugkoyu Village southeast of Tatvan; south of the
harbour for Akdamar ferry. Bitlis Circuit. 2009 2011
Trifolium pratense Scattered throughout 2009 2011
Trifolium repens between Tatvan and Hizan. 2009 2011
Trifolium resupinatum
Near Sarikum between Ahlat and Tatvan and in oak scrub slopes
a little west of Resadiye on the south Van circular. Bitlis
Circuit.2009 2011
Trifolium speciosum Purple-flowered species. Oak woodlands near Kucuksu
Trifolium tomentosum between Tatvan and Hizan. 2009
Trigonella caerulescens
Meadows 14km east of Adilcevaz, Roadsides near the hotel at
Ahlat. Also near Hosap. The blue fenugreek 2011
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Trigonella velutina
2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van and campsite
near the ferry to Akdamar Island, Gevas. Cilli Pass.
Vicia anatolica Near the Sim-er Motel
Vicia balansae ? Akdamar Island. South side of Van Lake
Vicia canescens Subspecies
variegata.
East side of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale. Also
north of Van. Like an astragalus. 2009 2011
Vicia cappadocica Environs of Ayamis Castle north of Van and roadsides in the area
Vicia cracca between Tatvan and Hizan. 2009
Vicia dalmatica Akdamar Island
Vicia ervilia Roadsides near the hotel at Ahlat, Akdamar Island 2009
Vicia grandiflora East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat
Vicia michauxii Near Resadiye, South Van Circular. Near Bendimahi, Van
Vicia peregrina Balaban forest 2009 2011
Vicia raflige
[2006 - this pretty species was on marls around Zernek and along
the Çatak road]
Vicia tetrasperma Akdamar Island
Vicia trunculata
Seen in Oak woodlands near Yassaca near Resadiye on South Van
circular. Cilli Pass 2009 2011
Vicia sativa 2011
Vicia villosa subsp. villosa 2011
Rosaceae
Agrimonia eupatoria Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol near Bitlis
Alchamilla erithoperta scattered 2009
Amygdalus orientalis North of Van 2011
Amygdalus trichamygdalis [2006 - Cilli Pass]
Cotoneaster integerrimus Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit 2011
Cotoneaster nummularia in the crater of Nemrut.; South of Van circular 2009 2011
Crataegus aronia 2005 Cilli Pass
Crataegus curvisepala 2005 Bitlis Circuit 2009
Crataegus meyeri Near Bolukyazi 2009 2011
Crataegus monogyna South of Van circular. 2009 2011
Crataegus orientalis Hill above Tugkoyu Village southeast of Tatvan. Leaves only
Filipendula ulmaria 2005 Oak Woodlands south side of Lake Van 2009
Filipendula vulgaris 2005 Oak Woodlands south side of Lake Van
Geum urbanum
Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol near Bitlis
2009
Malus sylvestris Subsp.
orientalis v. orientalis . South of Van circular. 2009
Potentilla bifurca Muradiye Waterfall area. Zernek. Ercek. 2009
Potentilla lignosa On the road to Karabet Pass. Çatak Road
Potentilla orientalis 2005 Çatak Road
Potentilla reptans? Tendurek 2011
Potentilla supina
10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along minor
road and 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van;
between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. Very pretty!
Prunus (Cerasus) prostrata South of Van circular. Karabet. 2009 2011
Prunus brachypetala
(Cerasus) Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south
Van circular, and a little east of Asaginarlica below the Karabet
Pass.
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Prunus divaricata
11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular; in the crater of
Nemrut.
Prunus incana Var.
sintenisii.
(Cerasus angustifolia ) Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel,
Dogubeyazit; on Pamuk Dagi between Dogubayezit and Igdir.
Strange looking plant that only vaguely resembles a cherry!
Pyrus amygdaliformis [2006 - Bitlis Circuit] 2009
Pyrus syriaca Subsp.
syriaca.
Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular. Leaves only. 2009 2011
Rosa canina 2005 Oak Woodlands south side of Lake Van 2009 2011
Rosa foetida [2006 - scattered]
Rosa haemisphaerica [2006 ?probably this species - Cilli Pass]
Rosa heckeliana Var.
heckeliana. 2005 Small shrubs above Ishak Paºa and Cilli Pass 2011
Rubus sanctus between Tatvan and Hizan.
Sanguisorba minor
Picnic site near Calpala in the Aras Valley; widespread in
meadows. 2009 2011
Sorbus persica 2004 South Circular Woods
Sorbus torminalis Hill above Tugkoyu Village southeast of Tatvan. 2009 2011
Sorbus umbellata Var.
taurica
. Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular. Leaves only. Var cretica. Near Bolukyazi near Bitlis 2009 2011
Crassulaceae
Rosularia aizoon south of the harbour for Akdamar ferry. Nemrut Dagi
Rosularia elymaitiica [2006 - near Adilcevaz]
Rosularia sempervivum
Subspecies persica
Van Castle, Akdamar Island. Subspecies kurdica (given at the
time as Rosularia radiciflora) Nemrut Crater 2009 2011
Sedum aetnense
Muradiye Waterfall area. Sedum tetramerum is now included in
this species
Sedum hispanicum Var.
semiglabrum Muradiye Waterfall area and on Akdamar Island
Sempervivum
cf. armenum on south slopes of Tendürek Pass – may be an
incorrect identification?v 2011
Sempervivum davisii Rocky outcrops on the Tendurek Pass 2009
Umbilicus erectus
Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol near Bitlis and
in oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular 2009
Umbilicus tropaeolifolius Akdamar Island
Saxifragaceae
Saxifraga kotschyi
Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit though
the bright orange petals seem a little odd! The eastern approach to
the Karabet Pass and on the pass itself some superb specimens
2009
Saxifraga sibirica Ravine on the Bitlis to Bolukyazi road; in the crater of
Nemrut. Tendurek Pass
Saxifraga hederacea By stream through oak woodland near Bolukyazi near Bitlis
Saxifraga cymbalaria 2005 spring half way along the South Van Circular 2009
Apiaceae
Anthriscus cerefolium Muradiye Waterfall area and near Bolukyazi
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Anthriscus nemorosa
Hill above Tugkoyu Village southeast of Tatvan. Damp meadows
near Ahlat 2009 2011
Apium nodiflorum [2006 - near Adilcevaz]
Astrodaucus orientalis Scattered throughout
Bunium brachyactis Noted near Dogubeyazit
Bunium cylindricum South-facing lower slopes of Nemrut Dagi Volcano
Bunium ferulaceum On the road to Çatak.
Bunium microcarpum Scattered throughout
Bunium paucifolium
Noted around Dogubeyazit, the south side of Kurubas Pass, south
of Van, and the environs of campsite 1km towards Gevas from
Akdamar ferry
Bunium verruculosum Van Castle
Bupleurum falcatum
Subspecies polyphyllum 11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular
Carum carvi
2km west of Taslicay, east of Agri, and 1km east of Kucuksu on
the south Van circular
Caucalis platycarpos
East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat, and 10km east of Ercek Golu
and then shales 6km south along minor road
Chaerophyllum crinitum Near Ahlat. Muradiye
Chaerophyllum hakkiaricum The eastern approaches to the Karabet Pass
Chaerophyllum
macropodum West side of Lake Van
Chaerophyllum
macrospermum
Damp meadows near Ahlat, 11km east of Kucuksu on the south
Van circular and in oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on
the south Van circular Resadiye on the south Van circular
Cymbocarpum anaethoydes Near Otanca in the Özalp direction from Van.
Cymbocarpum anethoides ? Hillsides 3km east of Tuzluca. Or Turgenopsis foeniculacea
Falcaria vulgaris
East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat. Leaves only; South of Van
circular.
Ferula amanicola Noted in the Bitlis/Tatvan area – leaves only
Ferula cf. elaeochrytis Muradiye Waterfall – leaves only
Ferula haussknechtii Upstream from Muradiye Waterfall
Ferula longipedunculata
Souther shores of Van Lake – leaves only; On the road to Çatak.
2009
Ferula orientalis West side of Lake Van. Bitlis Circuit 2011
Ferula rigidula
Marly slopes at east end of Zernek Reservoir on the Hosap road.
Leaves only
Ferula spp
????? Two as yet unidentified or even unknown species of Ferula
collected, one from Ayamis Castle and another from Muradiye
Waterfall – we await Mervyn's news on them
Ferulago angulata Ravine at Çatak-Karabet-Van road junction
Ferulago bernardii (stellata) Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit
Grammosciadium cornutum Ravine on the Bitlis to Bolukyazi road
Grammosciadium daucoides
? 11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular, the hill above
Tugkoyu Village southeast of Tatvan, and 10km east of Ercek
Golu and then shales 6km south along minor road
Grammosciadium
platycarpum
Called Grammosciadium confertum on the tour. Muradiye
Waterfall area and near Ulu Kumbet at Ahlat
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Grammosciadium
pterocarpum Inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater
Heptaptera anisoptera Not sure where Mervyn's specimen came from?
Heracleum persicum Along the south Van circular. Leaves only at this 2011
Laserpitium carduchorum Çatak
Lecokia cretica Muradiye Waterfall area. Leaves only 2009
Malabaila dasyantha Noted in the Ahlat area
Malabaila lasiocarpa
Ravine on the Bitlis to Bolukyazi road, Akdamar Island; On the
road to Çatak 2009 2011
Malabaila secacul
Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular, also on Akdamar Island
Myrrhoides nodosa Terraces at west edge of Dogruyol village near Bitlis
Oenanthe sophiae
2005 in wet meadows a little south of the Van Circular en route to
Hizan
Opopanax persicum
Muradiye Waterfall area – by the river; between Tatvan and
Hizan.
Pimpinella affinis ? 1km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular
Pimpinella anthriscoides Eastern approaches to the Karabet Pass
Pimpinella kotschyana West side of Van Golu
Pimpinella peregrina Dogubeyazit area
Pimpinella peucedanifolia ? Muradiye Waterfall area
Pimpinella tragium
Subspecies lithophila
. Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit
Subsp.?. On the road to Çatak.
Prangos cf. corymbosa
Prangos acaulis Dogubeyazit area
Prangos ferulacea
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road, and also at the Muradiye Waterfall area; Between Hosap
and Guzeldere Pass.2009
Prangos pabularia 11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular
Prangos peucedanifolia Where? Dogubeyazit area
Prangos platychlaena West side of Lake Van
Prangos uechtriztii
Either on the eastern approaches to the Karabet Pass or en route to
Guzeldere
Prangos uloptera Dogubeyazit area
Scandix aucheri Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit
Scandix iberica
East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat, 11km east of Kucuksu on the
south Van circular, oak woodland and grazed valley west of
Dogruyol near Bitlis, and at Bendimahi Marshes at NE 2011
Scandix pecten-veneris 2005 Bitlis Circuit 2009
Scandix stellata Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. Çatak Road
Seseli libanotis
Two forms of this variable species seen – neither greatly
resembling the Western European forms!
Seseli peucedanoides ? Marly slopes at east end of Zernek Reservoir on the Hosap road
Smyrniopsis aucheri Muradiye Waterfall area 2009
Smyrnium cordifolium
Ravine on the Bitlis to Bolukyazi road and on Akdamar Island;
between Tatvan and Hizan. 2009 2011
Torilis leptophylla Akdamar Island. Muradiye.
Trinia scabra Dogubeyazit
Turgenia latifolia Environs of Ayamis Castle north of Van and roadsides in the area;
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On the road to Çatak. Seeds from last year mostly!
Zosima absinthifoliua
Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass; south of the harbour for
kdamar ferry.2009 2011
Dipsacaceae
Centranthus longiflorus On the road to Çatak.
Cephalaria syriaca
? Environs of Ayamis Castle north of Van and roadsides in the
area
Pterocephalus kurdicus
East side of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale.
Akdamar Island.
Scabiosa rotata
2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van. Çatak Road.
2009
Valeriana alpestris Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass
Valeriana dioscoridis Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. 2011
Valeriana leucophaea
Slopes above and south of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and
Baskale. Karabet Pass 2009
Valeriana officinalis
Rugged hills above Ishak Paºa Palace, Dogubeyazit. Oak
Woodlands south side of Lake Van 2009
Valeriana sisymbriifolia
Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit, also
Muradiye Waterfall; On the road to Çatak. 2009
Valerianella carinata Terraces at west edge of Dogruyol village near Bitlis
Valerianella coronata
Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol near Bitlis, the
ravine on the Bitlis to Bolukyazi road, and in oak scrub slopes a
little west of Resadiye on the south Van circular 2009
Valerianella cymbicarpa
10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along minor
road, in the Muradiye Waterfall area, and in the environs of
Ayamis Castle north of Van and roadsides in the area
Valerianella oxyrhyncha
Marly slopes at east end of Zernek Reservoir on the Hosap road,
and also 10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south
along minor road
Valerianella plagiostephana Scattered, common in the north
Valerianella vesicaria Bitlis circuit 2011
Caprifoliaceae
Lonicera caucasicum
Nominate. Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south
Van circular. 2009
Rhus coriaria in the crater of Nemrut.
Asteraceae
Achillea arabica
(biebersteinii) southwest shore of Ercek Golu. Dogubeyazit area
2009 2011
Achillea vermicularis
Environs of campsite 1km towards Gevas from Akdamar ferry;
On the road to Çatak. Also east of Küçüksu 2009
Amberboa moschata
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road
Anthemis cretica on slopes of Nemrut Dagi. Cilli Pass. 2009 2011
Anthemis wiedemanniana Bendimahi.
Artemisia splendens
? The eastern approach to the Karabet Pass – on a rock ledge
above Fritillaria minuta. In bud.
Bellis perennis widespread in meadows 2009 2011
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Carduus pycnocephalus between Tatvan and Hizan. Ishak Paºa? 2011
Carthamus lanatus 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van
Centaurea albonitens
Dry hills between Ercek Lake and Ozalp; between Hosap and
Guzeldere Pass 2009 2011
Centaurea aucheri ? 10km west of Dogubeyazit on the Agri road. Zernek
Centaurea depressa
Fields in Aras Valley near Calpala west of Igdir, also the
southwest shore of Ercek Golu, and in Bendimahi Marshes at NE
corner of Lake Van 2009 2011
Centaurea glastifolia [2006 - in leaf only]
Centaurea handelii 2005 cliffs in the first gorge along the Çatak Road 2009
Centaurea iberica widespread, weedy.
Centaurea karduchorum
Steppe and fields 16km south of road 975 on the Çatak road – cliff
above south-heading road 2009 2011
Centaurea pseudoscabiosa
? Nominate? Van Castle, Akdamar Island, and the environs of
Ayamis Castle
Centaurea pterocaula ? East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat
Centaurea pulchella Van Castle. In bud – stems strikingly pale. Çatak Road 2009
Centaurea rhizantha
Ravine at Çatak-Karabet-Van road junction, and 2km or so south
of the
Centaurea triumfettii
Common. Meadows 1km northeast of Caldiran, inside Nemrut
Dagi Volcano crater, and in steppe and fields 16km south of road
975 on the Çatak road 2009 2011
Centaurea urvillei Subsp. armata
Centaurea vanensis
Slopes above and south of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and
Baskale, and 10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south
along minor road; above Ishak Paºa Palace, Dogubayazit. 2009 -
best ones were at Ozalp road 2011
Cephalorrhynchus tuberosus
? Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular. Or Cephalorrhynchus rechingeranus?
Chardinia orientalis Dry hills between Ercek Lake and Ozalp; On the road to Çatak.
Cichorium intybus Scattered throughout
Cirsium arvense Subspecies vestitum. Scattered 2009
Cnicus benedictus
Fields in Aras Valley near Calpala west of Igdir, and roadsides
near the hotel at Ahlat. Also between Van- Muradiye-
Dogubayezit. 2009 2011
Cousinia eriocephala Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass.
Cousinia nabelekii ? 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van
Cousinia vanensis near Kurubas Pass.
Crepis pulchra
Nominate. Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol
near Bitlis, Akdamar Island
Crepis sancta East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat, Muradiye Waterfall area
Crupina crupinastrum south of the harbour for Akdamar ferry. 2009
Crupina vulgaris Balaban Forest 2009 2011
Echinops orientalis Ercek Lake 2009
Filago arvensis Scattered
Gundelia tournefortii
11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular, and on oak scrub
slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van circular. Between
Van and Bendimahi 2009 2011
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Helichrysum arenarium
Subspecies aucheri Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. 2011
Helichrysum arenarium
Subspecies rubicundum Environs of Ayamis Castle north of
Helichrysum graveolens ? South side of the Kurusbas Pass south of Van
Helichrysum plicatum
Nominate. 11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular, and
also at Van Castle 2011
Inula helenium South of Van circular.
Inula macrophyllum
2005 in leaf only – meadows north of Dogruyol on the Bitlis
Circuit
Inula peacockiana
Bendimahi Marshes at NE corner of Lake Van, and 2km or so
south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van; south of the harbour for
Akdamar ferry. 2009 2011
Koelpinia linearis
Salt mine at Tuzluca, Around Sim-er Hotel near Dogubeyazit
Fruit seen in 2005. 2011
Onopordum acanthium Scattered 2009
Onopordum karduchorum Bitlis circuit 2011
Rhagadiolus angulosus Environs of Ayamis Castle north of Van and roadsides in the area
Scorzonera cana
Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit, and
around Sim-er Hotel near Dogubeyazit; On the road to Çatak. 2011
Scorzonera mollis
Subspecies szowitsii
East side of the Çilli Pass, Ararat, inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano
crater, and 10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south
along minor road. Çilli Pass population had otherwise identical
plants with yellow or violet flowers side by side! 2011
Scorzonera parviflora ? East shore of Ercek Golu
Scorzonera phaeopappa Nominate. 10km west of Dogubeyazit on Agri road 2009 2011
Senecio eriospermus
Inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater, in the ravine on the Bitlis to
Bolukyazi road, and on slopes above and south of the Guzeldere
Pass between Hosap and Baskale. In bud at the middle site
otherwise leaves only
Senecio taraxacifolius above Ishak Paºa Palace, Dogubayazit.
Senecio vernalis
Widespread; weedy. East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat, and on the
southwest shore of Ercek Golu – dominant in areas of the former
2009 2011
Serratula serratuloides ? 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van
Sonchus asper [2006 - scattered.]
Tanacetum chiliophyllum 10km west of Dogubeyazit on Agri road – in bud
Tanacetum partheniifolium
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road – on a cliff. On Pamuk Dagi between Igdir and Dogubayezit.
Tanacetum uniflorum above Ishak Paºa Palace, Dogubayazit.
Tanacetum zahlbruckneri
11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular, and in oak
woodland and the grazed valley west of Dogruyol near Bitlis
Taraxacum officinale [2006 - scattered]
Tragopogon buphthalmoides ? 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van
Tragopogon coloratus
2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van. Flowers
purple, pappus purplish 2009
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Tragopogon dubius The Selcuk Cemetery at Ahlat, southwest shore of Ercek Golu
Tripleurospermum decipiens ? 1km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular 2011
Tripleurospermum oreades
? North-facing slopes on the Tendurek Pass, and the ravine at
Çatak-Karabet-Van road junction
Tripleurospermum
parviflorum ? Aras Valley near Calpala west of Igdir
Tussilago farfara Widespread in leaf, Van and roadsides in the area – in bud 2009
Xanthium strummarium Bitlis Circuit 2011
Xeranthemum annuum [2006]
Xeranthemum
longipapposum Scattered throughout around Lake Van
Campanulaceae
Campanula coriacea Scattered throughout. Leaves only
Campanula crispa
2005 in leaf. Rocks on the Tendurek and Cilli Passes Campanula
stevenii
Campanula flaccidula 2005 another tiny species along the Çatak Road
Campanula glomerata By campsite near Akdamar Ferry, Gevas 2009
Campanula involucrata 11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular 2009 2011
Campanula karakuschensis
2005 tiny species noted along the Çatak Road and along south
side of Lake Van
Campanula ledebouriana [2006 - Çatak Road]
Campanula reuterana 2005 beautiful deep violet flowered species near Çatak
Campanula stevenii
Crags and slopes south of Sim-Er Hotel, Dogubeyazit, also 11 km
east of Kucuksu on the south Van circula, and on oak scrub slopes 2011
Legousia pentagonia Terraces at west edge of Dogruyol village near Bitlis 2009
Legousia speculum-veneris between Tatvan and Hizan. 2009 2011
Primulaceae
Androsace albana 2005 on the Tendurek Pass
Androsace armeniaca Short stemmed species with pink flowers Tendurek Pass 2009
Androsace maxima
East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat and on the Kuskunkiran Pass on
the south Van circular, also above the Ishak Paºa Palace,
Dogubeyazit 2009 2011
Androsace villosa
Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit and the
slopes above and south of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and
Baskale 2009 2011
Glaux maritima
East shore of Arin Golu near Adilcevaz and the meadows 14km
east of Adilcevaz 2011
Primula algida Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass 2009 2011
Primula auriculata
Soguksu meadows south of Tendurek Pass, the east side of the
Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale, and a little east of
Asaginarlica below the Karabet Pass 2009 2011
Oleaceae
Fraxinus angustifolia between Tatvan and Hizan; On the road to Çatak. 2009 2011
Gentianaceae
Gentiana cruciata 2005 in leaf meadows along the south side of Lake Van
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Gentiana olivieri
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road. Also Kizkunkiran Pass
Gentiana verna Subspecies pontica 2011
Swertia longifolia In leaf by the stream on the east side of the Guzeldere Pass
Convolvulaceae
Convolvulus altheoides Graveyard along Hakkari Road
Convolvulus arvensis Scattered 2009
Convolvulus calvertii 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van
Convolvulus cantabrica Between Tatvan and Hizan; between Ercek Lake and Ozalp.
Convolvulus lineatus Catak Road 2011
Boraginaceae
Alkanna froedinii
Environs of campsite 1km towards Gevas from Akdamar ferry.
Further west too!
Alkanna orientalis
Scattered throughout. Called various things on the tour including
a Moltkia and Anchusa! 2009 2011
Anchusa arvensis
Subspecies orientalis.
1km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular. Looks like an odd
Lappula. 2009
Anchusa aucheri
? Roadsides near the hotel at Ahlat and near Ayamis Castle and
near Dogubeyazit 2009 2011
Anchusa azurea
Throughout. Most was of the odd-looking pale azure flowered
form 2009 2011
Anchusa leptophylla below Tendurek 2011
Anchusa strigosa Bitlis Circuit 2009 2011
Arnebia decumbens Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit 2011
Asperugo procumbens
Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit, the east
side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat, and the terraces at west edge of
Dogruyol village near Bitlis 2009 2011
Buglossoides arvensis
(Syn. Lithospermum arvensis) Crags and slopes south of the Sim-
er Hotel, Dogubeyazit; Tendürek Pass. 2009 2011
Caccinia macranthera var.
crassifolia. 2011
Cerinthe minor Subspecies
auriculata. Scattered throughout. Nominate. Cilli Pass west of Ararat 2009 2011
Cynoglossum officinale Muradiye Waterfall. Bitlis Circuit 2011
Cynoglossum vanense In flora as montanum
Heterocaryum szovitsianum
? 10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along minor
road. Zernek.
Lappula barbata Widespread 2009 2011
Moltkia caerulea South side of Kurubas Pass, south of Van. Zernek. 2009 2011
Myosotis
spp 10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along
minor road. Annual with fruiting pedicel curving round axis
Myosotis alpestris
Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit, and the
north-facing slopes on the Tendurek Pass, and the 2011
Myosotis diminuta Soguksu meadows south of Tendurek Pass 2009
Myosotis heteropoda ? East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat 2011
Myosotis minutiflora Muradiye Waterfall area 2009 2011
Myosotis ramosissimum between Tatvan and Hizan.2009 2011
Myosotis stricta
? East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat, and 1km east of Kucuksu on
the south Van circular
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Myosotis sylvatica Tatvan, Tugkoyu Village 2011
Neostemma apulum Sim-Er 2011
Nonea anchusoides
2005 east side of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale
2009
Nonea caspica
Hillsides 3km east of Tuzluca, and east side of the Guzeldere Pass
between Hosap and Baskale 2009 2011
Nonea melanocarpa between Tatvan and Hizan. Ishak Paºa 2009
Nonea melanthera 2005 along the Çatak Road 2011
Nonea pulla Subspecies
scabrisquamata . 10km west of Dogubeyazit on
Nonea pulla Subspecies? Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass.2009
Nonea stenosiphon 2006 - Nemrut Dage and another place on the Bitlis circuit. ]
Onosma albo-roseum Var
sanguineolentum 2005 Zernek 2009 2011
Onosma araraticum ? (araraticum 2011
Onosma isauricum Ercek Lake 2009
Onosma nemoricolum Meteor, widespread along south shore of Van 2011
Onosma procera (procerum) 11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular
Onosma sericea
(sericeum) Marly slopes at east end of Zernek Reservoir on the
Hosap 2011
Paracaryum cristatum
Subspecies carduchorum
Ravine on the Bitlis to Bolukyazi road, and 10km east of Ercek
Golu and then shales 6km south along minor road 2009
Paracaryum racemosum
South side of Kurubas Pass, south of Van, and 2km or so south of
the Kurubas Pass as well
Paracaryum strictum
10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along minor
road. On Pamuk Dagi between Dogubayezit and Igdir.
Rindera albida
South side of Kurubas Pass, south of Van, and east side of the
Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale 2009
Rindera caespitosa
10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along minor
road. Zernek
Rindera lanata var. canescens 2011
Rochelia disperma
2km west of Taslicay, east of Agri, the crags and slopes south of
the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit and the east side of the Cilli Pass,
Ararat. Bitlis Circuit.
Solenanthis stamineus
Muradiye Waterfall area, inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater, and
east side of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale 2009 2011
Solenanthus circinnatus Muradiye Waterfall area, oak scrub slopes a little west of 2011
Symphytum kurdicum Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol near Bitlis
Solanaceae
Hyoscyamus niger
Ishak Paºa Palace above Dogubeyazit and Muradiye Waterfall; in
the crater of Nemrut; between Ercek Lake and Ozalp. 2009 2011
Hyoscyamus pusillus
West side of lava plain north of Dogubeyazit, and the salt mine at
Tuzluca
Hyoscyamus reticulatus
Muradiye Waterfall area, the roadsides near the hotel at Ahlat,
and Bendimahi Marshes at NE corner of Lake Van 2009 2011
Lycium ruthenicum Van Castle
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Scrophulariaceae
Bungea trifida
Scattered on steppe. Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel,
Dogubeyazit, and 10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km
south along minor road. Zernek. Meteor 2011
Dodartia orientalis Fallow fields near Igdir in the Aras Valley
Euphrasia juzepczukii 2005 Cilli Pass
Euphrasia pectinata Scattered
Lagotis stolonifera
2km west of Taslicay, east of Agri, and the rugged hills above the
Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit; On the road to Çatak. 2009 2011
Linaria armeniaca
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road. Zernek.
Linaria chalepensis
Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol near Bitlis;
Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. Cilli Pass, Ararat. Muradiye.
2009 2011
Linaria genistifolia 2005
Linaria genistifolia
Subspecies confertifolia at Zernek. 2005
Linaria genistifolia
Subspecies prealti east of Ercek Golu
Linaria grandiflora Catak Road 2011
Linaria simplex East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat
Parentucellia latifolia
Subspecies flaviflora
. Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol near Bitlis.
Cilli Pass, Ararat. As the subspecies name suggest it is yellow
flowered! 2011
Pedicularis caucasica Meadows in the Kucuksu area. Tendurek Pass 2011
Pedicularis comosa
Widespread and common – both wet meadow and dry rocky
slope forms 2009 2011
Pedicularis condensata Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass
Rhinanthus angustifolius
Subspecies grandiflorus
. 2km west of Taslicay, east of Agri, and 11km east of Kucuksu on
the south Van circular. Zernek. 2009 2011
Scrophularia ilwensis Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass.
Scrophularia libanotica Van Castle
Scrophularia
nachitschevanica
Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit – on
screes. An intermediate between this and the following species
was found on rocks here too; Tendürek Pass.
Scrophularia orientalis 2005 Tendurek Pass
Scrophularia rimanum By Ayamis Castle north of Van
Scrophularia umbrosa
Environs of campsite 1km towards Gevas from Akdamar ferry
and at the wetland justside Ahlat. In leaf in 2005
Verbascum phoeniceum
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road. Cilli Pass
Verbascum suworowianum
10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along minor
road. In range of allied Verbascum nudicaule? 2011
Verbascum vanense ? Muradiye Waterfall area
Veronica anagallis-aquatica
? Aras Valley near Calpala west of Igdir; On the road to Çatak.
Adilcevaz 2009
Veronica anagalloides Bitlis Circuit 2011
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Veronica biloba
East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat, the Ishak Paºa Palace above
Dogubeyazit, and the Kuskunkiran Pass on the south Van circular
Veronica bornmuelleri ? 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van
Veronica bozakmanii
1km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular, and roadsides
near the hotel at Ahlat as well as the Muradiye Waterfall area
Veronica gentianoides North-facing slopes on the Tendurek Pass 2009 2011
Veronica intercedens Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol near Bitlis
Veronica orientalis Scattered throughout 2009 2011
Veronica polita 11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular
Orobanchaceae
Orobanche anatolica Fairly widespread. On Salvia 2011
Orobanche bungeana 2005 Zernek
Orobanche caryophyllacea 2005 abundant in rough fields at the north end of the Çatak Road.
Orobanche cernua ? Purple one seen in steppe south of Kurubas Pass, south of Van
Orobanche cilicica [2006 Muradiye Waterfall]
Orobanche crenata [2006 Cilli Pass.]
Orobanche lutea 2005. East of Ercek Golu
Orobanche purpurea Fairly widespread. On Achillea 2011
Orobanche ramosa Akdamar Island. Zernek. 2009
Orobanche schultzii ? 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van
Phelypaea tournefortii
Muradiye Waterfall area; above Ishak Paºa Palace, Dogubayazit.
2009
Globulariaceae
Globularia orientalis in the crater of Nemrut; between Tatvan and Hizan
Globularia trichosantha
11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular, and oak scrub
slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van circular 2009 2011
Labiatae
Acinos arvensis 2005 East of Ercek Golu 2009
Acinos rotundifolius
Widespread in steppe. The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of
Tuzluca on the Kars road, and the south-facing lower slopes of
Nemrut Dagi Volcano 2011
Ajuga chamaepitys
Subspecies ?chia.
Widespread. South-facing lower slopes of Nemrut Dagi Volcano.
Tendurek Pass 2009 2011
Eremostachys laciniatus
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road, the ravine on the Bitlis to Bolukyazi road, and the Muradiye
Waterfall area 2009 2011
Eremostachys moluccelloides
Marly slopes at east end of Zernek Reservoir on the Hosap road
2009 2011
Hymenocrater bituminosus
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road, and the marly slopes at east end of Zernek Reservoir on the
Hosap road. A small shrub with blue flowers within lime
coloured bracts. 2011
Lallemantia canescens Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. East of Ercek
Lallemantia iberica
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road as well as between Van-Muradiye-Dogubayezit.
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Lallemantia peltata Quite common north of Lake Van 2009 2011
Lamium album Scattered – often in disturbed habitats 2009 2011
Lamium amplexicaule
Near Tuzluca and oak woodland and grazed valley west of
Dogruyol near Bitlis; on south slopes of Tendürek Pass; between
Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. 2009 2011
Lamium garganicum
Ravine on the Bitlis to Bolukyazi road, and the Muradiye
Waterfall area; On the road to Çatak. 2009 2011
Lamium rotundifolium above Ishak Paºa Palace, Dogubayazit – in leaf
Molucella laevis Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass
Nepeta congesta
? The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road, the marly slopes at east end of Zernek Reservoir on the
Hosap road, and the environs of Ayamis Castle north of Van and
roadsides in the area
Nepeta fissa
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road, and 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van
Nepeta heliotropifolia
10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along minor
road. Bteween Van and Bendimahi. Zernek.
Nepeta meyeri
Crags and slopes south of Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit; south
slopes of Tendürek Pass
Nepeta transcaucasica
Southwest shore of Ercek Golu, and 10km east of Ercek Golu and
then shales 6km south along minor road; On the road to Çatak.
2009 2011
Phlomis armeniaca
2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van and near
Ayamis Castle north of Van. Zernek.2009
Salvia aethiopis Widespread especially in the north 2009 2011
Salvia atropatana
? 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van. Leaves linear,
flowers later
Salvia brachyantha
South side of Kurubas Pass, south of Van. Calyx violet. Corolla
only 12mm; between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass.
Salvia ceratophylla
Between Ercek Lake and Ozalp; between Hosap and Guzeldere
Pass. 2011
Salvia frigida Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass.
Salvia kronenburgii
2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van. Calyx wide
open, glabrous and whitish green; dry hills near Hosap. Çatak
Road.
Salvia limbata
Environs of Ayamis Castle north of Van and roadsides in the area
(EP). Corolla white with pale yellow lower lip. 25mm. 2011
Salvia microstegia
East side of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale by
the road and Muradiye Waterfall area. Corolla white
Salvia multicaulis
Muradiye Waterfall area, and oak scrub slopes a little west of
Resadiye on the south Van circular. Calyx wide open, purplish
violet, corolla 18mm 2009 2011
Salvia nemorosa
Hillsides 3km east of Tuzluca. Corolla purple, 10-12mm. Bracts
purple 5-10mm. Çatak Road 2009
Salvia poculata 2005 noted at Muradiye and at Zernek
Salvia stamineum [2006 - Sim-er Motel, Dogubeyazit]
Salvia trichoclada
Terraces at west edge of Dogruyol village near Bitlis. 2003 on the
road to Çatak. 2009 2011
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Salvia verticillata Subspecies
amaniensis ? Muradiye Waterfall area. South of Lake Van. 2009
Scutellaria orientalis
Subspecies pinnatifida In ravine near Bolukyazi near Bitlis. Tendurek Pass 2009
Scutellaria orientalis
Subspecies sosnowskyi.
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road, and the south side of Kurubas Pass, south of Van.
Scutellaria orientalis
Subspecies virens. 11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular. 2011
Sideritis montana Nominate. Hillsides 3km east of Tuzluca 2011
Squamulate; Between Hosap
and Guzeldere Pass. 2009
Stachys annua between Tatvan and Hizan
Stachys annua var.
lycaonica is on Çatak road 2009
Stachys iberica Subspecies stenostachya. Muradiye Waterfall area 2009
Stachys lavandulifolia Widespread in steppe 2009 2011
Stachys macrantha on north slopes of Tendürek Pass
Teucrium chaemedrys ssp.
sinuatum Zernek 2009
Teucrium polium Akdamar Island
Thymus kotschyanus
? Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit;
Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. Ercek area.
Thymus sipyleus 2004 above the Ishak Paºa Palace 2009 2011
Ziziphora capitata On the road to Çatak. 2009 2011
Ziziphora persica
? Fields in Aras Valley near Calpala west of Igdir, and 10km east
of Ercek Golu and shales 6km south along minor road.
Plantaginaceae
Plantago atrata North-facing slopes on the Tendurek Pass 2011
Plantago lanceolata
Widespread on meadows and disturbed habitats. Guzeldere Pass
2009 2011
Plantago major 2005! Somewhere! 2009
Thymelaeaceae
Daphne oleoides
Subspecies kurdica. In flower at Oak scrub slopes a little west of
Resadiye on the south Van circular. 2009
Daphne mucronata
In leaf only. Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the
south Van circular 2009 2011
Santalaceae
Thesium billardieri ? Muradiye Waterfall area; above Ishak Paºa Palace, Dogubayazit.
Thesium impressum Aras Valley north of Tuzluca. Muradiye.
Elaeagnaceae
Elaeagnus angustifolius between Tatvan and Hizan. South Van Circular. 2009 2011
Aristolochiaceae
Aristolochia bottae
Terraces at west edge of Dogruyol village near Bitlis. Also east of
Ercek Golu. 2009 2011
Euphorbiaceae
Euphorbia armena Ishak Pasa 2011
Euphorbia arvensis? Between Igdir and Tuzluca – check!
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Euphorbia cheiradenia West side of lava plain north of Dogubeyazit 2009
Euphorbia denticulata
South-facing lower slopes of Nemrut Dagi Volcano, Inside
Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater, Ravine at Çatak-Karabet-Van road
junction 2009 2011
Euphorbia heteradena Scattered throughout
Euphorbia kotschyi 2006 - Degirmanli near Ercek]
Euphorbia macrocarpa Inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater 2009 2011
Euphorbia macroclada
West side of lava plain north of Dogubeyazit, South-facing lower
slopes of Nemrut Dagi Volcano 2009 2011
Euphorbia petrophylla Bitlis circuit 2009
Euphorbia seguieriana Nominate – southwest shore of Ercek Golu. 2011
Euphorbia seguieriana
Subspecies niciciana – Hillsides 3km east of Tuzluca
Euphorbia stricta? Dogubayazit 2009
Euphorbia virgata Muradiye Waterfall area
Urticaceae
Parietaria judaica
On the road to Çatak; On the road to Karabet Pass. East of Ercek
Golu 2009 2011
Urtica dioica
A narrow-leaved stingless form at Meadows 14km east of
Adilcevaz was shown to us by a local who gathered it to use as a
vegetable and as an ‘anti-cancer' herb – this form approached
what we call Urtica galeopsifolia in the UK 2009 2011
Ulmaceae
Celtis glabrata [2006 - probably tis species - Bitlis Circuit] 2009 2011
Celtis tournefortii
Terraces at west edge of Dogruyol village near Bitlis; in the crater
of Nemrut. 2011
Ulmus minor
subspecies minor. in the crater of Nemrut. Between Van and
Muradiye 2009 2011
Juglandaceae
Juglans regia
Cultivated in valleys around Dogruyol near Bitlis and in Çatak
valley 2009 2011
Fagaceae
Quercus libani
Var pinnata. Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol
near Bitlis; On the road to Çatak. 2009
Quercus petraea
Subspecies pinnatiloba. 11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van
circular, Terraces at west edge of Dogruyol village near Bitlis 2009 2011
Quercus pubescens Inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater
Betulaceae
Alnus cordata ? 2005 streamsides south of Lake Van
Betula pendula Inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater. Also Cilli Pass. 2009 2011
Populus tremula
Inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater, and the hill above Tugkoyu
Village southeast of Tatvan 2009 2011
Salix caprea 2005 Bitlis Circuit 2009 2011
Salix fragilis ? Muradiye Waterfall area
Salix triandra 2km west of Taslicay, east of Agri
Rubiaceae
Asperula arvensis Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit 2009
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Asperula glomerata Subspecies ?eriantha
Asperula orientalis
Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit, also on
terraces at west edge of Dogruyol village near Bitlis 2011
Asperula setosa
Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular, and also on the Kuskunkiran Pass on the south Van
circular. East of Ercek Golu
Asperula xylorrhiza Ravine on the Bitlis to Bolukyazi road
Callipeltis cucullaria
Hillsides 3km east of Tuzluca and the marly slopes at east end of
Zernek Reservoir on the Hosap road 2011
Cruciata taurica
Common throughout – Cruciata laevipes almost certainly present
too? 2009Menyanthaceae 2011
Galium aparine Scattered near habitation especially 2009 2011
Galium czerepanovii Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit
Galium incanum
Subspecies elatius. Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on
the south Van circular 2009 2011
Galium spurium
Nominate. 2km west of Taslicay, east of Agri, and in fields in Aras
Valley near Calpala west of Igdir
Galium verticillatum Scattered throughout 2009 2011
Menyanthes trifoliata Adilcevaz 2009
Plumbaginaceae
Acantholimon bracteatum
Subspecies capitulum . 2005 East of Ercek Golu 2011
Limniopsis davisii 2005 Çatak Road
Moraceae
Ficus carica Subspecies rupestris. 2005 Çatak Road 2009
Lentibulariaceae
Pinguicula balcanica [2006 - Guzeldere Pass]
Asclepiadaceae
Vincetoxicum fuxcatum Cili Pass
Vincetoxicum tmoleum Ahlat steppe
Potamogetonaceae
Groenlandia densa Pools in water meadows on Bitlis Circuit 2011
Lemnaceae
Lemna minor Ercek Lake
Monocotyledons
Butomaceae
Butomus umbellatus East shore of Ercek Golu and also at Bendimahi. By Van Kalesi
Alismataceae
Alisma lanceolatum
East shore of Ercek Golu; between Tatvan and Hizan. 2005 in leaf
only 2009
Alisma plantago-aquatica 2005 on the Bitlis Circuit 2011
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Juncaginaceae
Triglochin maritima
Soguksu meadows south of Tendurek Pass, the meadows 14km
east of Adilcevaz and 1km east of Kucuksu on the south Van
circular; Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass. Ercek Golu 2009 2011
Triglochin palustris
Meadows 14km east of Adilcevaz and 1km east of Kucuksu on the
south Van Circular. Ercek Golu 2009
Araceae
Arum detruncatum
(conophalloides)
Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular, also 10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south
along minor road and in the ravine at Çatak- Karabet-Van road
junction. 2005 sadly didn't check the plants at Muradiye? 2009
Liliaceae
Allium akaka
Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit, also the
south side of Kurubas Pass, south of Van and 2km or so south of
the Kurubas Pass south of Van and at Ayamis Castle. 2009 2011
Allium atroviolaceum Near Adilcevaz
Allium dictyoprasum Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass.
Allium hirtifolium Van Castle and a variety of south Van locations 2009 2011
Allium
pseudoampeloprasum
? Muradiye Waterfall area. Note the perianth segments are
smooth and obtuse – may be another species?
Allium scabriscapum
Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass; Kurubas Pass; south of the
harbour for Akdamar ferry.
Allium scorodoprasum Subspecies waldsteinii. Akdamar Island 2009 2011
Asparagus officinalis Noted on the first visit to Muradiye Waterfall. Cilli Pass 2011
Asparagus palaestinum 2005 Zerne
Asparagus persicus Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit.
Bellevalia fominii
10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along minor
road and the eastern approach to the Karabet Pass. Also Çatak
Road and oak woodlands 2011
Bellevalia longipes North of Van 2009 2011
Bellevalia longistyla
Generally quite common in the Van area – e.g. Kuskunkiran Pass
on the south Van circular and the eastern approach to the Karabet
Pass 2009 2011
Bellevalia paradoxa
(including Bellevalia pycnantha) North-facing slopes near
snowline on the Tendurek Pass, the east side of the Guzeldere
Pass between Hosap and Baskale, and the eastern approach to the
Karabet Pass 2011
Bellevalia rixii
Slopes above and south of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and
Baskale 2009 2011
Colchicum kotschyana On the road to Çatak. (in leaf – autumn-flowering)
Colchicum szovitsii
Slopes above and south of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and
Baskale; Kurubas Pass. Tendurek Pass
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Eremurus spectabilis Scattered at lower levels to the south and east of Lake Van 2009 2011
Fritillaria alburyana
On north facing slopes of ravine northwest of Muradiye Waterfall
– a single dried-up flower found! 2003 only found in seed. 2004
dried up plants on Tendurek may have been this species
Fritillaria assyriaca Inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater, Tendurek 2009 2011
Fritillaria caucasica Tendürek Pass. 2009 2011
Fritillaria crassifolia
kurdica x pinardii, Several on the Tendurek Pass appeared to be
intergrades between these two species 2011
Fritillaria crassifolia
East side of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale, and
the eastern approach to the Karabet Pass. 2011
Fritillaria crassifolia
Subspecies ‘kurdica'
and possibly ‘crassifolia ' involved though practical delimination
of these subspecies seems impossible in this area. The form seen
on the Tendurek Pass which superfically looks like Fritillaria
michailovskyi is subspecies kurdica probably of the form
grossheimiana described from Iran some years ago. 2009 2011
Fritillaria minima
The eastern approach to the Karabet Pass. Several thousand in
flower this year – a very rare fritillary known from only three or
four sites 2009 2011
Fritillaria minuta
Inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater, also on the east side of the
Kiskunkiran Pass south van circular, and above Yukarinarlica on
the Karabet Pass 2009 2011
Fritillaria minuta x
assyriaca
Nemrut Dagi. Very common hybrid and very easy to ‘pick' with
bright glossy green leaves and narrow slightly waisted flowers
2009 2011
Fritillaria pinardii
North-facing slopes on the Tendurek Pass. The status of plants in
Nemrut Dagi Volcano is unclear though possibly this species is
not present there 2009 2011
Fritillaria straussii
Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular – in fruit
Gagea bohemica Nemrut Dagi crater lip and Karabet Pass
Gagea bulbifera
Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit, by the
Hosap Fortress, and on the eastern approach to the Karabet Pass;
in the crater of Nemrut.
Gagea confusa
Lip of Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater. Karabet Pass. Also by lava
fields at Tendurek Pass
Gagea fistulosa Widespread and common near snowmelt everywhere 2009
Gagea gageoides
Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit, the
Kuskunkiran Pass on the south Van circular, hills above Ercek and
the eastern approach to the Karabet Pass. First gorge along the
Çatak Road
Gagea glacialis
The eastern approach to the Karabet Pass; in the crater of Nemrut.
Also on Tendurek 2009 2011
Gagea helenae
The eastern approach to the Karabet Pass; Between Hosap and
Guzeldere Pass.
Gagea luteoides in the crater of Nemrut; South of Van circular. Karabet Pass 2009
Gagea stylosa Tendürek Pass.
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Gagea taurica
in the crater of Nemrut and on Tendurek Pass. Above Ishak Paºa.
Also on the Karabet Pass 2009 2011
Gagea tenera 2005 Nemrut Dagi and Karabet Pass
Gagea uliginosa Nemrut Dagi crater and Karabet Pass 2009
Gagea villosa Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit 2009
Hyacinthella longipes Kurubas Pass.
Hyacinthella siirtensis Above Ishak Paºa Palace, Dogubayazit.
Merendera kurdica The eastern approach to the Karabet Pass 2009 2011
Merendera trigyna
North-facing slopes near snowline on the Tendurek Pass, and the
slopes above and south of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and
Baskale. The plants from the Tendurek Pass fit the form
‘raddeana' with wide perianth segments and broad leaves.2009 2011
Muradiye Waterfall area
Muscari armeniacum Locally common throughout 2009 2011
Muscari aucheri
2km west of Taslicay, east of Agri, and the eastern approach to the
Karabet Pass. Also Nemrut Dagi and Guzeldere 2011
Muscari caucasicum Widespread – much commoner than previous species 2009 2011
Muscari coeleste
In very damp meadows just north of Dogubeyazit and near Ishak
Paºa Palace – one of the ‘open-flowered' Bellevalia
Muscari comosum Scattered 2009
Muscari longipes Kurubas Pass; On the road to Karabet Pass. Çatak Road 2009 2011
Muscari neglectum Above Ishak Paºa Palace, Dogubayezit. East of Ercek Golu. 2011
Ornithogalum arcuatum 2005 along the south shore of Lake Van in fields
Ornithogalum montanum
? Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit.
Probably not montanum but certainly looked like it!
Ornithogalum narbonense Akdamar and Çatak Road 2011
Ornithogalum oligophyllum Scattered throughout 2009 2011
Ornithogalum orthophyllum
10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along minor
road
Ornithogalum platyphyllum 2km or so south of the Kurubas Pass south of Van. Bitlis Circuit
Ornithogalum
shelkovnikovii Widespread 2009 2011
Ornithogalum wiedemannii Or oligophyllum 2011
Puschkinia
‘nemrut dagi' A doubtfully distinct ‘Puschkinia' rather uncommon
in the crater floor 2009 2011
Puschkinia
‘karabet' Grows with ‘scilloides' but much the commoner of the
two – pyramidal inflorescence, different filament structure etc.
2009 2011
Puschkinia scilloides
North-facing slopes on the Tendurek Pass, the east side of the
Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale, and the eastern
approach to the Karabet Pass – locally very abundant at all these
sites 2009 2011
Scilla sibirica Above the Ishak Paºa Palace
Tulipa armena Subsp. Lycia 2011
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Tulipa koyuncii
Slopes above and south of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and
Baskale. Both white with yellow centre and fully yellow forms.
This was formerly included under Tulipa biflora but is very
different from that species and now carries the name of an
eminent botanist from Van University 2011
Tulipa humilis
East side of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale, the
slopes above and south of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and
Baskale, and the eastern approach to the Karabet Pass. 2009 2011
Tulipa julia
Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit and on
the rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit. 2009 2011
Tulipa sintenisii
Recently finished plants were seen south of Bolukyazi. A large
colony in good flower by the end of the first gorge on the road to
Çatak, very good colony seen at Çatak 2009 2011
Tulipa sylvestris Between Hosap and Guzeldere Pass.
Amaryllidaceae
Ixiolirion tataricum
Subspecies montanum Widespread in steppe 2009 2011
Iridaceae
Crocus cancellatus
Brian Matthew confirmed that the single bulb collected from the
hillside where Iris sari was prolific along the Çatak Road was this
autumn-flowering species
Gladiolus atroviolaceus
East side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat, and 2km or so south of the
Kurubas Pass south of Van; between Ercek Lake and Ozalp. Also
east of Hosap. 2009 2011
Gladiolus kotschyanus
Muradiye Waterfall area and around Ayamis Castle. Also several
places south and east of Lake Van 2009 2011
Iris barnumae
10km east of Ercek Golu and then shales 6km south along minor
road. On the road to Ercis on dry hillsides, c. 30 km from Van,
1730 m altitude. East of Ozalp, particularly in the military area.
2009 2011
Iris barnumae urumiensis
2006 - this stunning sulphur form was common in the steppe near
Albayrak 2009
Iris caucasica
Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit;
Tendürek Pass and inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater; On the
road to Karabet Pass. 2009 2011
Iris iberica
Subspecies elegantissima. 10km west of Dogubeyazit on Agri
road. Also below the crags and on the slopes south of the Sim-er
Hotel, Dogubeyazit, as well as around the hotel itself. Also on the
east side of the Cilli Pass, Ararat, and in the Muradiye Waterfall
area. 2009 2011
Iris paradoxa
Forma choschab. South side of Kurubas Pass, south of Van, the
approach to the Guzeldere Pass, and the road between Zernek
and Lake Van. Also noted along the roadsides along the Zernek
Reservoir. Also on the road to Çatak 2009 2011
Iris persica Plants in seed noted on the Bitlis circuit
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Iris pseudocaucasica
Just a few plants in flower on a ridge above our picnic site on the
slopes above and south of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and
Baskale, and a few on the eastern approaches to the Karabet Pass;
dry hills east of Ozalp (in seed there). In seed in 2009
Iris sari
Steppe and fields 16km south of road 975 on the Çatak road and
fields around the village of Kay(r?)abogaz a little south of there;
south of the harbour for Akdamar ferry. A large colony of mixed
colours on the Çatak Road had several plants intermediate
(hybrids?) between this species and Iris paradoxa? A single plant
also seen in flower north of Dogruyol in the Bitlis area. 2009 2011
Iris spuria Subspecies
musulmanica
Bendimahi Marshes at NE corner of Lake Van; between Ercek
Golu and Ozalp – not yet in flower 2009
Orchidaceae
Anacamptis pyramidalis
Oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van
circular – mostly in bud. Several at the little roadside wood west
of Gevaº 2011
Cephalanthera kotschyana
11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular, the hill above
Tugkoyu Village southeast of Tatvan, and on oak scrub slopes a
little west of Resadiye on the south Van circular 2009 2011
Cephalantherea longifolia In scrub above the South Van Circular near Resadiye
Coeloglossum viride
11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular. 2006 on the
Guzeldere Pass
Comperia comperiana
Several found in oak scrub slopes a little west of Resadiye on the
south Van circular. Mostly in bud though two west of Resadiye in
good flower on the last day. In bud 2011
Dactylorhiza flavescens
Inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater. Oak woods on South Van
Circular 2009 2011
Dactylorhiza iberica
2005 very many in bud in marshy fields on the west wide of the
Kizkunkiran Pass.
Dactylorhiza incarnata between Ercis and Ahlat.
Dactylorhiza osmanica A large population south of Bendimahi was a surprise!
Dactylorhiza umbrosa
Widespread in wet meadows. The very tall plants with densely
leafy stems and elongate bracts from the wet meadows near
Adilcevaz fit the form ‘longibracteata'. Strangely this highly
distinctive form appears nowhere in Kreutz's work! The
‘chuhuensis' form with purple-marked leaves and bracts was
seen north of Lake Van. 2009 2011
Epipactis helleborine
In leaf at Adilcevaz and above Tugkoyu Village southeast of
Tatvan
Epipactis persica In leaf above Tugkoyu Village southeast of Tatvan
Ophrys holoserica Bitlis Circuit near village Icgecit 2009 2011
Ophrys phrygia North of Kuslu (north of Bolukyazi) 2011
Ophrys straussii Noted in a little roadside wood west of Gevaº 2011
Ophrys transhyrcana
Nominate. Akdamar Island. One or two in good flower in oak
scrub on the south Van circular. Several at the little roadside
wood west of Gevaº 2009 2011
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Orchis coriophora
The walls of the Aras Valley 16km west of Tuzluca on the Kars
road, oak.woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol near
Bitlis, and in the Selcuk Cemetery at Ahlat. Road to Çatak. Quite
common in some marhsy fields south of Lake Van. 2009 2011
Orchis palustris East shore of Ercek Golu; ?between Ercis and Ahlat. 2009
Orchis pinetorum
Inside Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater, and 11km east of Kucuksu on
the south Van circular 2009 2011
Orchis pseudolaxiflora 2011
Orchis tridentata
11km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular, and on oak scrub
slopes a little west of Resadiye on the south Van circular 2009 2011
Platanthera chlorantha Hill above Tugkoyu Village southeast of Tatvan
Typhaceae
Typha angustifolia 2004. Adilcevaz 2008
Typha latifolia 2004. Ahlat area
Typha minima Hillsides 3km east of Tuzluca
Juncaceae
Eleocharis uniglumis Meadows 14km east of Adilcevaz 2009
Juncus effusus East shore of Ercek Golu etc 2009
Juncus gerardi
East shore of Arin Golu near Adilcevaz and meadows 14km east
of Adilcevaz
Cyperaceae
Blysmus compressus East shore of Arin Golu near Adilcevaz Carex divulsa
Blysmus compressus Subspecies leersii
Bolboschoenus maritimus East shore of Ercek Golu 2009
Carex acutiformis Meadows at Adilcevaz
Carex diluta ? Junction of the Van-Agri-Dogubeyazit roads
Carex distans 1km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular 2009
Carex divisa Widespread
Carex flacca Subspecies
serratula . 1km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular
Carex orbicularis
Subspecies ?kotschyana . 2km or so south of the Kurubas
Carex panicea
1km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular, and a little east of
Asaginarlica below the Karabet Pass
Carex tomentosa 1km east of Kucuksu on the south Van circular
Carex kurdica Pass south of Van
Scirpiodes holoschoenus Scattered
Poaceae
Aegilops cylindrica Scattered throughout 2009 2011
Aegilops triuncialis Roadsides near the hotel at Ahlat etc 2011
Agropyron cristatum Subspecies pectinatum
Alopecurus arundinaceus
? Aras Valley near Calpala west of Igdir and meadows 14km east
of Adilcevaz
Alopecurus aucheri Lip of Nemrut Dagi Volcano crater
Alopecurus laguroides Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit 2009 2011
Alopecurus myosuroides Near Ulu Kumbet at Ahlat
Bromus lanceolatus ? Roadsides near the hotel at Ahlat, Van Castle
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Bromus tectorum Scattered
Bromus tomentellus Scattered
Catabrosa capusii ? Muradiye Waterfall area
Catabrosella parviflora Subspecies calvertii
Dactylis glomerata Near Edremit 2009 2011
Eremopoa songarica Scattered
Eremopyrum distans
? Environs of Ayamis Castle north of Van and roadsides in the
area
Festuca callieri
Nominate. Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel,
Dogubeyazit
Festuca sclerophylla East side of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale 2011
Hordeum geniculatum Bendimahi Marshes at NE corner of Lake Van 2011
Hordeum murinum Subspecies ?glaucum 2011
Hordeum violaceum Bendimahi Marshes at NE corner of Lake Van 2009 2011
Melica persica Subspecies cf. inaequiglumis
Milium vernale Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol. New to
Phleum alpinum On Tendürek Pass
Poa bulbosa
Widespread – the commonest grass. Fertile specimens at Inside
Nemrut crater
Psathyrostachys fragilis Crags and slopes south of the Sim-er Hotel, Dogubeyazit
Puccinellia distans Subspecies sevangensis
Sclerochloa dura Van Castle
Sesleria phleoides
Rugged hills above the Ishak Paºa Palace by Dogubeyazit and east
side of the Guzeldere Pass between Hosap and Baskale
Stipa arabica ? Muradiye Waterfall area 2011
Stipa holosericea Environs of Ayamis Castle north of Van and roadsides in the area
Taeniatherum caput-
medusae Subspecies crinitum
Triticum baeoticum Subspecies ?thaoudar
Ventenata subenervis
Hill above Tugkoyu Village southeast of Tatvan. New to East
Turkey
Vulpia ciliata Nominate. Roadsides near the hotel at Ahlat
Zingeria pisidica Oak woodland and grazed valley west of Dogruyol near Bitlis
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Systematic List Number 2 Birds
Total of 170 taxa were recorded during the tour, frequency of records are shown as fractions
based on the 12 days spent in the field e.g. 3/12 = seen on three days.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Freshwater wetlands, scattered
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Occasional e.g. Van wetland
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis About twenty at Ercek, two seen from Tusba Hotel
most mornings
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo On arrival in Istanbul
Little Bittern One flew over us on the Cili pass (!) and another
near Ercis
Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Many at Akdamar, also near Ercis
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides One near flooded fields outside Caldiran
Little Egret Egretta garzetta Occasional e.g. Arin Golu
Cattle Egret Egretta alba Scattered, e.g. Akdamar
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Scattered, Van marsh and Ercek
White Stork Ciconia ciconia Widespread, but not overly common, various nest
occupied
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Large number at Ercek but distant, a bit closer at Van
wetland
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Widespread in wetlands
Shelduck Tanorna tadorna Scattered e.g. Ercek, Arin
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Scattered - uncommon
Pintail Anas acuta Half a dozen near Caldiran
garganey Anas Near Dogubeyazit and Caldiran, seen well
Shoveler Anas clypeata A few at most wetlands
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina Widespread e.g. Arin, Van marsh
Pochard Aythya ferina Commonest duck seen
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Probably two at Van wetland
White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala Seen very well at Arin, Ercek and Van wetland
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus Adults near Adilcevaz and on Catak Road
Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus One from Guzeldere
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Widespread in wetlands
Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus A female near Caldiran
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Occasional in more wooded areas
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus Widespread and common
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus One near Adilcevaz
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Two near Dogabeyazit, one near Karabel pass
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Pale morph bird in Bitlis area
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Akdamar Island and near Dogubeyazit
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Widespread
Hobby Falco subbuteo Scattered
Lanner Falco biarmicus Good prolonged view of a soaring bird above
Akdamar
Chukar Alectoris chukar Near Van
Quail Coturnix coturnix Heard in dense vegetation a few times
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Freshwater wetlands
Coot Fulica atra Common and widespread
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Common Crane Grus grus Two near Caldiran
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Common and widespread
Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Widespread
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Widespread
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Near Caldiran
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Widespread
Little Stint Calidris minuta A few near Caldiran
Broad-billed
Sandpiper
Limicola falcinellus Five near Caldiran – a highlight
Ruff Philomachus pugnax Widespread
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Agri Dag marsh
Common Redshank Tringa totanus Common and widespread
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Near Caldiran
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Scattered
Greenshank Tringa nebularia Near Caldiran
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus A male at Van marsh
Lesser Black-backed
Gull
Larus fuscus A few at Ercek
Yellow-legged Herring
Gull
Larus a. cachinnans Istanbul on arrival
Armenian Gull Larus a. armenicus Abundant around Van
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus Ercek, Caldiran
White-winged Black
Tern
Chlidonias leucopterus Commonest tern, stunner seen well near Caldiran,
Arin, Ercek, etc
Rock Dove Columba livia Feral birds everwhere but real wild ones too at
Akdamar
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Dogabeyazit, Van area
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Scattered - near villages
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Widespread but scarce in towns
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Quite common around Dogubeyazit
Little Owl Athene noctua Quite few this year, widespread especially near
villages
Common Swift Apus apus Widespread
Alpine Swift Apus melba Widespread but local e.g. Akdamar
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Very common
Roller Coracias garrulus Common
Hoopoe Upupa epops Common
Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus Sim-er hotel, etc
Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra Near Arin Golu
Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata Widespread e.g. Tendurek, Ercek
Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Zernek reservoir only
Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens Common around Ercek, seen well song-flighting
Crested Lark Galerida cristata Widespread
Woodlark Lullula arborea Nemrut Dag crater
Skylark Alauda arvensis Scattered and widespread
Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris Common in high areas
Sand Martin Riparia riparia Widespread, spectacular numbers at Arin
Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Common in rugged areas
Swallow Hirundo rustica Widespread
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Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Tendurek, Nemrut Dag, Cili Pass
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Seen at Guzeldere
Black-headed Wagtail Motacilla (flava) feldegg Common and widespread in marshy meadows, etc
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola A beauty at Van Marsh
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Scattered by freshwater streams
White Wagtail Motacilla alba Widespread, but not overly common
Dipper Cinclus cinclus Freshwater streams and rivers
Radde's Accentor Prunella ocularis Common at higher altitudes on Karabel passes
Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Seen well at peony site near Tatvan
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica A pair seen superbly well on Guzeldere
White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis Nemrut Dag crater and rocky gullies along Catak
road
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Scattered in rocky uplands
Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus One in Bitlis area
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Bitlis circuit
stonechat Saxicola torquata Nemrut and Catak
Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina Common and widespread
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Common especially higher montane areas
Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica Widespread
Finsch's Wheatear Oenanthe finschii Below Agri Dag
Kurdish Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna Lovely species seen for the first time on this tour at
two locations either side of the Karabel Pass
Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis Rocky areas, good views
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius Occasional in rocky areas e.g. Catak road
Blackbird Turdus merula Bitlis area
Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti Heard often
Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Heard en route to Tatvan (near Adilcevaz)
Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon Ercek – conveniently seen with the next species for
instant comparison
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Ercek, Van marsh (large gatherings in the reeds)
Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris Freshwater marshes south of Tatvan and Adilcevaz
Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reedbeds
Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Common and vocal in reedbeds
Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida Plentiful at Sim-er, widespread
Booted Warbler Probably not this species (first recorded in 2009) after
all, appear to be ‘brown’ olivaceous individuals at
Sim-Er – key features not seen well enough
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Zernek
Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Scattered
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Scarce – could have been Mountain Chiffchaff at
Sim-Er
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Sim-er, etc
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Common at Sim-er on one day
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Near Tatvan
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Near Tatvan
Western Rock
Nuthatch
Sitta neumayer Widespread
Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Good views on Bitlis circuit
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Common and widespread
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Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor Common and widespread
Jay Garrulus glandarius Tatvan oakwoods only
Magpie Pica pica Abundant
Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus Karabel pass
Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Widespread but scattered e.g. Akdamar
Jackdaw Corvus monedula Very common
Rook Corvus frugilegus Very common
Hooded Crow Corvus (corone) cornix Abundant
Raven Corvus corax Seen a couple of times
Starling Sturnus vulgaris Abundant
Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus Seen beautifully at Sim-Er, scattered elsewhere
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Ubiquitous around towns
Tree Sparrow Passer montanus One near Ercis
Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla Two at Zernek
Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia Common and widespread
Snow Finch Montifringilla nivalis Frequent in high areas
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Bitlis circuit
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Scattered and uncommon
Linnet Carduelis cannabina Widespread
Crimson-winged Finch Rhodopechys sanguinea Seen several times, well on Catak Road and Cili pass
Mongolian Trumpeter
Finch
Bucanetes mongolicus Cili Pass and seen superbly at Zernek
Trumpeter Finch Seen very well at Zernek
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Common around Sim-er
Rock Bunting Emberiza cia Between Bitlis circuit, between Tatvan and Van
Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea Males watched at length south of Bitlis
Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana Common and widespread e.g. Nemrut, Ishak Pasa
Grey-necked Bunting Emberiza buchanani Common below Karabel, also Catak, Zernek 3/12
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus A singing male at Van marsh
Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala Common and widespread
Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra Common and widespread
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Systematic List Number 3 Other Vertebrates
Rabbit Akdamar Island
Red Fox One near Adilcevaz
Suslik Open areas
Mole Mole-hills seen
Vole Many burrows in high areas and one animal seen
Hedgehog Roadkill near Van
Green Toad Bufo viridis Above Ishak Pasa
Banded Frog Rana camerani Water meadows
Marsh Frog Rana ridibunda Wetlands
Balkan Green Lizard Lacerta trilineata Scattered
Dice Snake Natrix tessellatus Ercek
Akdamar Dwarf Snake ? Akdamar
Snake sp ?
Steppe Runner Eremias strauchii Tendurek
Lizard Ophiosus elegans Common and widespread stripey species with
reddish flanks
Lizard Darevskia sapphirina A mating pair near Agri Dag
Stripe-necked Terrapin Wetlands esp Van marsh
Spur-thighed Tortoise Widespread, very common on Nemrut
Caucasian Agama Laudakia caucasica Common in dry rocky area, quite large, chunky
lizard with armoured appearance