Revisiting the genus Tulipa (Liliaceae) in Kazakhstan, the country with the richest tulip diversity worldwide

By

Kubentayev, Serik A
Baasanmunkh, Shukherdorj
Alibekov, Daniyar
Tojibayev, Komiljon
Nyamgerel, Nudkhuu
Ivashchenko, Anna
Tsegmed, Zagarjav
Epiktetov, Vladimir
Sitpayeva, Gulnara
Izbastina, Klara
Idrisova, Zhansaya
Mukhtybayeva, Saule
Abubakirova, Nurganym
Gil, Hee-Young
Choi, Hyeok Jae

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2024

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

250

Pages

95--163

Subjects

Conservation , endemism , species pattern , threatened species , Tulipa

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.250.136736

 

Abstract

The genus Tulipa L., belonging to the Liliaceae family, has significant economic, horticultural, and ecological importance and is culturally revered in various regions worldwide. The total number of Tulipa species, including 90–120 taxa, varies based on different sources. Globally, Kazakhstan has one of the highest diversities of Tulipa species, most of which are threatened. In this study, we update and revise the Tulipa species in Kazakhstan based on field observations and an extensive herbarium specimens’ survey. A total of 41 taxa were identified, including 13 species endemic to Kazakhstan, among which seven species have been assessed as threatened globally. Furthermore, we gathered 1,942 occurrence records of 41 Tulipa taxa to analyze spatial arrangement of Tulipa species richness in Kazakhstan. Based on these results, we identified 22 grid cells with a high diversity of tulip species in southern Kazakhstan. We also present taxonomic key for all Tulipa species occurring in Kazakhstan, along with comments on their general distribution, habitat, phenology, distribution map, and conservation status. In addition, a color plate for each species is provided. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the conservation status, distribution patterns, and biodiversity of Tulipa species in Kazakhstan, laying a foundation for targeted conservation efforts and further research in the region.