Native dendroflora of Western Kazakhstan at introduction in the Mangistau desert

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the indigenous dendroflora of Western Kazakhstan and its introduction into the desert conditions of Mangistau. The flora of the Mangistau region includes 770 species of higher spore and vascular plants belonging to 333 genera and 73 families. In Atyrau region, 899 species of higher vascular plants have been recorded, associated with 351 genera and 85 families. Indigenous woody plants comprise 7.8 % of the total flora in the Atyrau region and 16.7 % in the Mangistau region, indicating their low representation in the vegetation cover. The status of natural populations of six woody fruit and berry species has been studied: Crataegus ambigua, Crataegus altaica, Rosa laxa, Rosa iliensis, Ribes aureum, and Lonicera tatarica. The selection of representatives of the indigenous dendroflora of Western Kazakhstan has begun for the formation of a collection, which includes 14 species, four of which are rare and endangered, listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. It analyzes indigenous woody plants, their nutritional, medicinal, and ecological functions, as well as their potential for ecosystem restoration and ensuring food security.