The family Apiaceae Lindl. in the flora of the Ulytau region

Abstract

The article presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of literary sources, herbarium collections, and field studies on the Apiaceae family within the Ulytau region. A total of 66 species belonging to 30 genera were identified during the research. The family ranks among the ten leading ones and plays an important role in the formation of the region’s main phytocenoses. The high diversity is explained by the combination of steppe, desert, and mountain ecosystems, as well as by the region’s location within the Irano-Turanian floristic province. The greatest species richness was observed in the Zhanarka district (63 taxa), where xerophytic and halophytic species predominate. The largest genera are Ferula (17 species), Seseli (9 species), Prangos, Sium, Palimbia, Hyalolaena (3 species each), Cuminum, Pastinaca, Peucedanum, and Trinia (2 species each), while the remaining 20 genera are represented by single species. Perennial plants dominate in terms of life forms (84.6%). Among ecological groups, xerophytes (60.5%) prevail, mainly represented by the genera Ferula, Prangos, and Seseli. Regarding salinity tolerance, 8 halophytic and 11 mesohalophytic species were identified, occurring on solonetz and saline soils. Within the region, one Red Book species – Saposhnikovia divaricata – and five subendemic taxa were recorded: Palimbia defoliata, Prangos ledebourii, Sium medium, Seseli eriocephalum, and S. coronatum. These species are locally distributed and confined to specific habitats, which necessitates their protection and monitoring. Analysis of the resource potential showed that the majority – 58 species (87.8%) – are medicinal plants, including Carum carvi, Falcaria vulgaris, Ferula soongorica, F. tatarica, and others, which possess antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and tonic properties. Some species are promising as forage, essential oil, and ornamental plants. To identify species with potential inclusion in the Red Book of the Ulytau region, taxa with a limited number of habitats and classified as rare or occasionally occurring were analyzed.