Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Rhaponticum (Asteraceae) of Kazakhstan

Abstract

An overview of the genus Rhaponticum Vaill. is presented, as growing on the vast territoryof Kazakhstan. The study is based on field materials, literature and accuraterevision of herbarium materials. Data from more than 240 herbarium specimens storedin herbarium collections were analyzed: LE, AA, MW, TASH, KUZ, KG, NUR andMANG. The article provides illustrations and data on the general distribution,ecological occurrence, phenology and environmental status of Rhaponticum species growing inKazakhstan. In addition, detailed distribution maps and taxonomic keys for eachspecies have been compiled. In total, 6 species of Rhaponticum grow in Kazakhstan, 3 of which (Rh. carthamoldes, Rh. aulieatense and Rh. karatavicum) are included in the red book of Kazakhstan.According to the results obtained, the most common species in Kazakhstan are Rh. altaicum (57 locations in 13Floristic Regions (FR)) and Rh. nitidum (56 locations in 9 FR). As a result of the conductedresearch Rh. nitidum was first foundon the territory of Northern Usturt, Rh.altaicum was discovered on the Tarbagatai. Also, the growth of Rh. altaicum in the Eastern Upland,Bukeev floristic region and Ulutau are not confirmed by herbarium materials.These species were relatively rare: Rh.carthamoldes (32 locations in 3 FR), Rh.aulieatense (12 locations in 2 FR) and Rh.karatavicum (27 locations in 1 FR). Rh.namanganicum (found only in two localities in the Western Tien Shan) isrecommended for inclusion in the next edition of the Red Book of Kazakhstan.According to the data obtained, further study of the number and status ofpopulations of Rhaponticum species onthe territory of Kazakhstan is required to revise their conservation status.