No abstract

Geospatial investigation of distribution Salvia aethiopis L. (Lamiaceae) on the eastern limits of the range is performed using climatic modeling by MAXENT approach. Climatic conditions for the 33 local populations of the species as well as territories neighbouring to them were examined in detail, using concepts of nestle-cells and a small polygone. According to obtained results, the most suitable climatic conditions are in only two small polygons (SP) around local populations with coordinates 69.96E:42.48N and 70.03E:42.47N in central part of the area. They have 7.7 average points per a cell of 9.0 maximum. Other seven SP have average points per a cell 7.1–7.3 (quite suitable climatic conditions), all in the western part of the area, with coordinates from 66.69E to 67.69E and from 38.21N to 39.26N. High values of raw prediction are in the locations with coordinates 70.97E:42.48N (0.123; Zhualyn District in Zhambyl Region, Kazakhstan), 70.03E:42.47N (0.063; Keltemashat, Tulkibas District, Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan), 67.09E:38.34 (0.063; Yuqori Machay, Surkhandarya Region, Uzbekistan), and 69.96E:42.48N (0.054; Antonovka, Tulkibas District, Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan). These local populations of S. aethiopis should be assessed as the most likely secondary centers for further expansion of the species in the Middle Asian Region.

The genus Salvia is comprised of about 1000 species and has diversity hotspots in the Americas, East Asia, southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region. Central Asia also possesses considerable Salvia species diversity but is understudied relative to the aforementioned diversity hotspots. To help remedy this deficiency, we present a synopsis of Central Asian Salvia species based on extensive fieldwork, herbarium consultation, and literature surveys focusing on Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan (i.e., Central Asia). According to our final taxonomic revision, there are 41 species of native Salvia in the flora of Central Asia, 24 of which are endemic. Salvia ariana from Tajikistan and S. spinosa from Kazakhstan are documented from the respective countries for the first time, and the presence of S. tianschanica from Tajikistan and S. verticillata from Kazakhstan has been confirmed. In addition, the neotypification of S. deserta and three lectotypifications (Perovskia abrotanoides, S. bucharica and S. trautvetterii) are provided. Furthermore, we synonymized six species of Salvia that were previously reported from Central Asia, including S. intercedens, S. kopetdaghensis, S. linczevskii, S. lipskyi, S. semilanata and S. stepposa. Finally, a new species identification key for Central Asian Salvia is presented based on the new nomenclature changes and our taxonomic revision.

No abstract

The high-mountain ecosystems of Central Asia consist of very rich biodiversity with unique plant communities and many endemic species. High human pressure and long drought periods due to global warming have caused habitat destruction in these areas and a parallel increase in the number of endangered species. In Uzbekistan, the number of red listed plant species has risen in the last 30 years, from 163 in 1984 to 324 in 2009. Among those red-listed species are 23 species in the Lamiaceae family. The aim of this study was to estimate the current populations of red-listed species Salvia submutica. This species is endemic to the Nuratau ridge, and it is growing under climatic changes and human pressure. We found two populations of this species in the Nuratau ridge. For each population, we measured the plant density and determined the population spectrum. We also describe the plant community where each population grew. At all sites, the population density was low, with most populations being classified as mature with centered ontogenetic structure. These results indicated this species might, in the near future, become extinct in the wild.