Taxonomic investigations within the North Governorate of Lebanon (NGL)—encompassing the Zgharta, Bsharri, Miniyeh-Dinnieh, and Koura districts—have culminated in the discovery of two novel species: Crocus libani K. Addam & M. Bou-Hamdan sp. nov. and Crocus terbolensis K. Addam & M. Bou-Hamdan sp. nov. (Iridaceae). These newly circumscribed taxa exhibit distinct morphological divergence not only from currently documented Lebanese Crocus representatives but also from globally recognized congeners. Identification is confirmed through a precise set of measurable and descriptive physical characteristics. Plant material and morphological analyses were conducted, measurements, colors, and other details given in the description are based on both herbarium and fresh materials. Morphological data were taken from more than 10 specimens of each. Crocus libani is distinguished from closely related species by its old corm that turns from white to pale orange-pink dotted with many fine dark orange dots, with thick roots; light brown papery outer tunic dotted with fine dark brown dots and splitting into parallel strips resembling thick fibers; tunic neck varies in length relative to other congeners; four cataphylls; colorful anthers, purple to reddish- brown with yellow margins; .exhibits large seeds, measuring 3.5 to 4 mm in length. Crocus terbolensis differs from its congeners in possessing white to cream in color and striped with brown transverse lines giving the impression that the bulb is composed of several layers; longer tunic neck up to 10 mm; papillose long filaments up to 10 mm; papillose style, divided around or lower than the bottom of the anthers; middle-sized flower segments smaller than C. laevigatus and bigger than C. pumilus; big seed size up to 4.5 mm long, and 2.5 mm wide (up 2 mm long only on the other similar species). Crocus libani displays an extensive altitudinal distribution (60–1500 m a.s.l., including Horsh Ehden), thriving under high winter rainfall (700–1500 mm), high summer humidity. Crocus terebolensis is confined to semi-mountainous Mediterranean climates at 600 m a.s.l. where topography buffers coastal heat and dictates distinct wet-dry seasonality. Voucher specimens (Holotypes) are deposited in Dr. Addam Herbarium AUL Beirut-Lebanon, (DAH-AUL). The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the morpho-anatomical attributes of two distinct Crocus species, thereby substantiating their status as novel global records. The empirical data, morphometric profiles, and high-resolution close-up photographs of fresh specimens generated during this investigation serve to refine current taxonomic descriptions. Furthermore, the anatomical data presented represents novel findings for these taxa, establishing a robust, reproducible diagnostic framework for the identification of newly discovered Crocus lineages.
