The genus Nigella L. has approximately 22 species worldwide, distributed mostly in the Mediterranean region and closely adjacent areas. Various taxonomic treatments of the genus have been carried out as accounts in various floristic studies.

In the course of an ongoing taxonomic study on the genus Nigella, an extensive field trip has been carried out in Syria. During the study at Aleppo area near the Turkish border, the specimens of Nigella nigellastrum, which is the first report for the flora of Syria, have been collected. In consideration of the relevant literature, the species number of the genus has been raised to ten with this new record. A picture of the species taken from field has been given.