This study examines the phytocenotic, phenotypic, phytochemical, antioxidant, and toxic effects of four geographically distinct populations of the traditionally used plant species Adonis volgensis Steven ex DC. from Central and Northern Kazakhstan. These populations, found in diverse habitats such as steppe-like forest edges and moist plains, coexist with species like Achillea nobilis L. and Artemisia absinthium L. Significant variations were observed in plant community composition and environmental stressors, including grazing and habitat degradation. Morphological analysis revealed that Population 2 exhibited greater vigor, while Population 3 was more constrained by local conditions, highlighting adaptive strategies influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. FTIR analysis of A. volgensis extracts revealed distinct solvent-specific profiles of bioactive compounds. Ethanol (EtOH) and ethyl acetate extracts were rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, whereas the chloroform (CHCl₃) extract was less effective in extracting phenolics, displaying weaker O–H bands. Phytochemical analysis showed notable variations in total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The highest TPC (89.351 ± 4.45 mg GAE/g d.w.) was found in the ethyl acetate extract from the Akmola region, while the highest TFC (33.811 ± 0.170 mg QE/g d.w.) was observed in the CHCl₃ extract from Kostanay region. Toxicity assessment using the Artemia salina lethality assay revealed significant mortality rates (88–96%) in CHCl₃ extracts of aerial parts, demonstrating a dose-dependent effect. These findings highlight the antioxidant and potential toxic properties of A. volgensis, emphasizing the importance of solvent selection in bioactive compound extraction for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

The article presents data on the distribution of species of the genus Adonis L. in Kazakhstan. In order to further clarify the places of distribution and inventory of modern growth of species of the genus Adonis, the main herbarium fund of botanical organizations was studied. The conducted analyses show that the highest occurrence of species is noted in Almaty region. To clarify the distribution in Kazakhstan and to compile the points of occurrence of species of the genus Adonis, 148 herbarium sheets (1843-2021) from Al-Farabi KazNU, Institute of Botany (AA), DAPO and KIR and digital herbarium of Moscow State University (MW) were reviewed and processed. Collections from 1843 are presented. The largest number of collections is from 1940-1972, and the main collectors are S.A. Arystangaliev, B. Bykov, N.V. Pavlov, and A.A. Ivashchenko. 148 actual places of growth for 8 Adonis species from the flora of Kazakhstan were identified: Adonis aestivalis L., Adonis apennina L. (Adonis sibirica Patr.ex Ledeb.), Adonis chrysocyathus Hook.f. & Thomson., Adonis parviflora Fisch., Adonis tianschanica (Adolf.) Lipsch., Adonis vernalis L., Adonis villosа Ledeb., Adonis volgensis Steven ex DC. Species diversity of Adonis L. is established in Dzungarian Alatau, Western Altai, Tarbagatai and Ile-Kungei Alatau, which are classified as rare and whose numbers are decreasing. Geographically, the most common are Adonis Adonis aestivalis L., Adonis parviflora Fisch. & Adonis tianschanica (Adolf.) Lipsch. The conducted research allowed systematizing, clarifying and supplementing information about species diversity and distribution of genus Adonis in the flora of Kazakhstan.

The ribbon-like pine forests of North Kazakhstan represent the principal territorial intrazonal and azonal biotopes. Integrated bio-geographic studies of the pine forests’ status were performed in the Beskaragai and Chaldai Nature Reserves in the Pri-Irtysh River basin within, at present, the climate–change most susceptible transitional parkland-steppe zone of Central Asia, adjoining the West Siberian Lowland. The investigations followed the regional topographic gradient with a series of mapped sites characterizing the spatial relief patterns of the pristine forest distribution and the associated phytocenoses. The results revealed marked natural arboreal cover restoration differences between the geographically close upland and lowland forest ecosystems. The regional tree growth dynamics show the varying intensity of the pine seedlings’ succession, the tree stands’ biomass productivity and the environmental stability, weakened by the extreme continentality and progressing aridification along with adverse anthropogenic ecological impacts. The specific geomorphic, soil and hydrological conditions are the principal determining factors. The more vital plain and lowland pine forests host the floristically richer fescue-dominated communities compared to the more fragile and precipitation-poorer upland pine settings. The latter forest ecosystems display a higher vulnerability to the current climate change, generating tree drying, forest fires, and to modern human activities such as logging, herding and recreation. The research conclusions provide new insights on the natural ribbon-like pine forests’ sustainability and adaptation to the ongoing continental warming triggering fundamental environmental transformations in Central Asia’s parklands.

The study of medicinal plants and having a protected status is an urgent issue for the conservation of biodiversity in Kazakhstan. Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Ilijn is a medicinal plant, and its excessive harvesting and destruction of habitats, as well as its conservation status, are of concern. We conducted a study to assess the ecological characteristics of the habitat of the species in the Tarbagatai National Natural Park, calculate the amount of medicinal raw materials, calculate both aboveground and underground phytomass, and calculate biological and operational reserves. A map has been developed to show the distribution of the species and potential harvest sites. In addition, a correlation analysis was performed to understand how population size affects productivity. The results highlight the need for continuous monitoring and protection of endangered species. The conservation of Rhaponticum carthamoides in the Tarbagatai State National Nature Park is currently ensured by its protected status. However, the study emphasizes the importance of developing a sustainable use regime to effectively manage plant resources and ensure their preservation for future generations.

The paper presents the results of the complex study of main biological and chemical characteristics in the endemic species Nepeta densiflora which occupies the boundary position in the distribution of Spicatae (Benth.) Pojark.section of Nepeta genus. It has been established that the ontogenesis is complete and the individuals successively pass the morphogenesis stages: primary shoot → primary bush → clump → branching particle. Assessment of coenopopulation states has identified the studied population as normal and stable. Coenopopulation stability is determined by its seed regeneration and complex ontogenesis. Species existence under the studied ecological and coenotic conditions can be successful, provided that there is no phytocoenotic environment composed of turfed lady’s mantle community. In N. densiflora, the main components of the essential oil were found to be cis-trans-Nepetalactone (up to 70%), cis-β-Ocimene (4.8%), Germacrene D (3.1%) and β-Cyclocitral (2.4%).

Two saxaul species - black saxaul (Haloxylon aphyllum Minkw.) and white saxaul (Haloxylon persicum Bunge) - constitute the principal arboreal cover of the cold continental deserts of Central Asia. While the latter is a rain-fed shrub distributed on sand dunes, the former is a ground-water phreatophyte mainly found on alluvial terraces. Saxaul has played an important role as a fodder plant also used as firewood by local herders. Due to over-grazing and over-exploitation for fuel during the past fifty years, the oncedominant saxaul vegetation has considerably degraded. Important growth characteristics at the present plantations (such as height, and basal trunk and crown diameters) show a direct quantitative relationship between the plants' age up to the 25-year lifetime and the total tree biomass reduced by natural degradation. Annual productivity largely depends on the overall vegetation density that reflects specific environmental conditions at particular locations. The recommended harvest rate, ...