Background: FerulaL. is one of the largest and most taxonomically complicated genera as well as being an important medicinal plant resource in the family Apiaceae. To investigate the plastome features and phylogenetic relationships ofFerulaand its neighboring generaSoranthusLedeb.,SchumanniaKuntze., andTalassiaKorovin, we sequenced 14 complete plastomes of 12 species. Results: The size of the 14 complete chloroplast genomes ranged from 165,607 to 167,013 base pairs (bp) encoding 132 distinct genes (87 protein-coding, 37 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes), and showed a typical quadripartite structure with a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions. Based on comparative analysis, we found that the 14 plastomes were similar in codon usage, repeat sequence, simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and IR borders, and had significant collinearity. Based on our phylogenetic analyses,Soranthus,Schumannia, andTalassiashould be considered synonymous withFerula. Six highly divergent regions (rps16/trnQ-UUG,trnS-UGA/psbZ,psbH/petB,ycf1/ndhF,rpl32, andycf1) were also detected, which may represent potential molecular markers, and combined with selective pressure analysis, the weak positive selection geneccsAmay be a discriminating DNA barcode forFerulaspecies.Conclusion: Plastids contain abundant informative sites for resolving phylogenetic relationships. Combined with previous studies, we suggest that there is still much room for improvement in the classification ofFerula. Overall, our study provides new insights into the plastome evolution, phylogeny, and taxonomy of this genus.

Central Asia (CA) is located in the interior of the Eurasian continent and consists of five countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It contains the largest concentration of temperate deserts and mountains of CA biodiversity hotspots. However, regionwide floristic diversity is sorely lacking, and nationwide floristic diversity is seriously outdated in this region. Using the data collected by the Mapping Asia Plants (MAP) project, we describe and analyze the diverse floristic characteristics of plant diversity in CA at both the regional and national levels, including the dominant families and genera, endemic taxa, and floristic similarity. The results allow the compilation of a new checklist of vascular plants in CA, including 9643 taxa (1198 genera within 139 families) and 3409 endemic taxa (414 genera in 66 families). We confirm that there are 5695, 4036, 4542, 3005, and 4222 species of vascular plants within the CA countries, of which 532, 326, 505, 175, and 301 species are endemic taxa in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, respectively. The region’s biodiversity is notable for its high degree of endemism—up to 35.35%—which contributes to the floristic uniqueness and the irreplaceability of CA. Tajikistan, encompassing the most dominant area of the CA mountains, has the highest species density (3.19/100 km²) and endemism (11.12%) among the five countries. Neighboring countries such as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan share more species in common, while Turkmenistan has less species overlap with the other four countries. Trends in endemic and total taxa are consistent. This comprehensive inventory is novel, revealing CA’s plant diversity in two dimensions and providing a solid foundation for subsequent research that will be beneficial to the transboundary conservation and sustainable use of plant resources in CA.

The Altai Mountains are an important center of biodiversity and are a major habitat for threatened and endemic species in Asia. Moreover, the Altai Mountains are a valuable site for the study of the evolution of central Asian vegetation. The Xinjiang Altai subrange represents the largest part of the southern Altai Mountains and has many unique plant communities. After conducting a thorough literature review and field investigation, we utilized the Chinese vegetation categorization system to identify the dominant plant communities in the Xinjiang Altai subrange and report their composition and distribution characteristics. Our results show that (1) the natural plant communities present in the Xinjiang Altai subrange can be divided into eight vegetation types, eighteen vegetation subtypes, and 50 communities. Among these, two communities—Form. Calligonum rubicundum and Form. Seriphidium borotalense-Festuca valesiaca—are present only in the Xinjiang Altai subrange. (2) The Xinjiang Altai subrange is located at the junction of three major biomes containing unique vegetation types (coniferous forest, temperate broadleaf forest, and desert). Thus, the Xinjiang Altai subrange is distinct in its staggered transition from mountainous boreal taiga to temperate desert. This research provides textual data to contextualize the cultural heritage of the Xinjiang Altai subrange and also provides a scientific basis for the protection and sustainable management of natural resources found in the Xinjiang Altai.

Seventy percent of the territory of Uzbekistan consists of arid regions. This situation is considered very favorable for plants adapted to a desert climate. Medicinal plants distributed in the arid regions of Uzbekistan have not been studied much. Medicinal plants are considered inexpensive, yet are vital for the lives of local residents. They play a very important role in the traditional healing of ailments. To determine the current state of medicinal plants and enhance their subsequent protection and sustainable use, it is necessary to obtain annual information on the state of their distribution, their population size, and the impact of negative factors on their populations. Based on our field studies, which were conducted during the period from 2012 to 2022 in the arid regions of Uzbekistan, we updated the checklists of the main medicinal plants used in these regions. A total of 529 medicinal species belonging to 70 families and 269 genera were identified in the study region. Several species, including Peganum harmala L., Capparis spinosa L., Ferula foetida (Bunge) Regel, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Alhagi pseudalhagi (M. Bieb.) Desv. ex Wangerin, Lagochilus inebrians Bunge, Xanthium strumarium L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Onopordum acanthium L., Ziziphora tenuior L., and Cichorium intybus L., are spread over large areas and have been used regularly by the locals since ancient times. These species are common in saline and degraded soils in arid regions of Uzbekistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with tabibs (traditional doctors), elders, herders, and residents with experience in traditional healing using medicinal plants. The medicinal value of most plants was based on the interviews with representatives of the local population, which were useful for understanding traditional healing skills and customer service skills.

The application of omics data serves as a powerful tool for investigating the roles of incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and hybridization in shaping genomic diversity, offering deeper insights into complex evolutionary processes. In this study, we utilized deep genome sequencing data from 76 individuals of Lappula and its closely allied genera, collected from China and Central Asia. By employing the HybPiper and Easy353 pipelines, we recovered 262-279 single-copy nuclear genes (SCNs) and 352-353 Angiosperms353 genes, respectively. We analyzed multiple datasets, including complete chloroplast genomes and a filtered set of 475 SCNs, to conduct phylogenetic analyses using both concatenated and coalescent-based methods. Furthermore, we employed Quartet Sampling (QS), coalescent simulations, MSCquartets, HyDe, and reticulate network analyses to investigate the sources of phylogenetic discordance. Our results confirm that Lappula is polyphyletic, with L. mogoltavica clustering with Pseudolappula sinaica and forming a sister relationship with other taxa included in this study. Additionally, three Lepechiniella taxa nested within distinct clades of Lappula. Significant gene tree discordance was observed at several nodes within Lappula. Coalescent simulations and hybrid detection analyses suggest that both ILS and hybridization contribute to these discrepancies. Flow cytometry (FCM) analyses confirmed the presence of both diploid and tetraploid taxa within Lappula. Phylogenetic network analyses further revealed that Clades IV and VII likely originated through hybridization, with the tetraploids in Clade IV arising from two independent hybridization events. Additionally, the "ghost lineage" identified as sister to Lappula redowskii serves as one of the donors in allopolyploidization. In conclusion, our study provides new insights into the deep phylogenetic relationships of Asian Lappula and its closely allied genera, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution and diversification of Lappula.

Ferula sinkiangensis, commonly known as "Chinese Awei" or "Chinese Ferula", has attracted considerable attention due to its diverse ethnobotanical uses and phytochemical complexity. However, lacking an updated and comprehensive review addressing ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and threats facing this critically endangered medicinal plant of Xinjiang, China. This comprehensive review aims to provide an updated, meticulous study of F. sinkiangensis, encompassing its traditional applications, phytoconstituents, pharmacological properties, and insights into its socio-ecological significance and conservation strategies. A broad literature review was undertaken using online search engines, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer Link, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, and Web of Science, to compile pertinent information. Ferula sinkiangensis, boasts a rich history of traditional medicinal use, particularly in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, anthelmintic, diarrhea, malaria, respiratory tract infections, and wound healing. Presently, approximately 264 natural compounds have been identified from F. sinkiangensis, including sesquiterpene coumarins, lignans, sulfanes, sterols, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides. F. sinkiangensis exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antiulcer, anti-sedative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ischemic effects. Among these, key compounds like Kellerin and Umbelliprenin have gained attention for their potent pharmacological activities. Kellerin exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and the mechanistic action of Kellerin emphasizes its potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions. This review comprehensively examines F. sinkiangensis, highlighting its traditional applications, extensive phytochemical composition, and considerable pharmacological potential. Furthermore, it underscores the pressing need to implement conservation measures to protect this endangered medicinal resource from the threats of overharvesting and habitat destruction.