Fritillaria messanensis subsp. neglecta (Parl.) Nyman, a fourth subspecies within Fritillaria messanensis Raf. (Liliaceae) from NW Balkans

Fritillaria neglecta Pari., a critical and neglected species described from Istria, is studied from its locus classicus by morphology and karyology. Our results suggest this diploid taxon (2n = 24) should be treated at the subspecific rank within Fritillaria messanensis Raf. s.l. as a fourth subspecies, endemic to NW Balkans (Croatia: Istria and Dalmatia), showing a peculiar combination of character-states such as, for instance: tepals rounded/spathulate, not upturned at the mouth and with clear fascia; all leaves alternate. A key to the four subspecies of Fritillaria messanensis is provided.