Uzbekistan is widely regarded as one of the most diversified sources of the species of Tulipa L. The present study provides the synopsis of the genus Tulipa in this area. According to literature reviews and field surveys, this genus includes 33 species (34 taxa) distributed in Uzbekistan. In this paper, more than 3,500 herbarium specimens deposited in the National Herbarium of Uzbekistan (TASH), Komarov Botanical Institute St. Petersburg, Russia (LE), Moscow State University, Russia (MW), Herbarium of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction in Almaty, Kazakhstan (AA) and Herbarium of the Institute of Biology in Bishkek (FRU) were utilized to provide comprehensive genus coverage. The evaluation of their distribution and taxonomic classification were described. The taxonomical analyses, diagnostic keys at sectional and species levels as well as morphologic illustrations of most species distributed in Uzbekistan are provided.

Hedysarum sunhangii is a new species described from the Babatag Ridge in the Uzbekistan part of the South-West Pamir-Alay (Central Asia). Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses were utilized to determine the taxonomic position of the species in genus Hedysarum. This new species belongs to the subsect. Crinifera of the sect. Multicaulia and it resembles H. criniferum and H. nuratense, but can be distinguished by details of its 3–4 pairs of larger and elliptical or ovate shaped leaflets, standard and keel sizes.

In light of the ongoing biodiversity crisis, appropriate conservation strategies are urgently needed. The steadily increasing anthropogenic pressure on nature in Central Asian countries seriously threatens the fate of local species and their habitats. Here, we analyze the threats to the genus Tulipa (Liliaceae) in Uzbekistan and propose an appropriate conservation strategy based on field surveys, observations and literature review. Among the threats evidenced for these species, the most relevant are overgrazing, land use, urbanization, and fragmentation. Analysis of Tulipa distribution in Uzbekistan revealed that 27 species of Tulipa occur in 19 protected areas. Among them, the most important are Ugam-Chatkal State National Natural Park, Chatkal State Biosphere Reserve, Hissar and Surkhan State Nature Reserves, harboring 10, 9, 9 and 8 species respectively. However, 8 species (of which five species are red-listed) occur in unprotected areas. In addition to the two major conservation approaches, in situ and ex situ, civic awareness is proposed as a third important conservation component. Besides, home garden conservation is proposed as an effective tool for conservation of Tulipa that requires support from the government.

Tulips are bulbous geophytes that have considerable commercial value worldwide. This genus primarily originated in the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai mountain ranges, which surround the Ferghana Valley. The Ferghana Valley is home to five sections of the genus Tulipa L, represented by 23 taxa (22 species). However, there is a lack of detailed information about the distribution of Tulipa species in the natural geographic area of the Ferghana Valley. Therefore, to address this knowledge gap, we comprehensively investigated the spatial distribution of all Tulipa species in the valley. To assess the spatial distribution, the entire area was divided into 32 squares consisting of four latitudinal and eight longitudinal zones. The results showed that latitudinal zones B and C with 15 and 13 taxa, respectively, along with five longitudinal zones (A5, B3, B4, C2, and C3) with 5 to 10 taxa were hotspots for this genus. Additionally, the spatial distributions of the species in terms of the corresponding state borders, mountain ranges, endemism, and conservation issues were assessed. The findings of this study provide comprehensive information about the distribution of Tulipa species to assist with conservation initiatives ultimately to ensure the survival of various species.

Tulipa L. (Liliaceae) comprises approximately 150 species. Although Central Asia, the main center of its diversity, includes around 66 species, detailed mapping of their distribution is limited and research on their ecoregional and phytogeographical dispersion is insufficient. This study aimed to map and analyze the distribution patterns of Tulipa across the Central Asian ecoregions and phytogeographical regions to identify potential hotspots for effective conservation efforts. The results identified the Gissaro-Alai open woodlands ecoregion, which hosts 41 species of Tulipa, as the leading hotspot ecoregion. The Ferghana Valley phytogeographical district (Afghano-Turkestan province) was found to be the most suitable habitat for 25 species of Tulipa. We also determined that altitude has a strong influence on the diversity of Tulipa and indicating increase of species richness as elevation rises. However, as elevation rises up from ca. 2000 m a.s.l. species richness also decreases slightly. An analysis of the distribution of sections of Tulipa in Central Asia revealed that around 61% of all species dwell in this area and that the sections Kolpakowskianae and Biflores, which have their greatest diversity of species, are specific to this area. The findings provide valuable insights into the distribution of Tulipa and allow for feasible recommendations and suggestions for their conservation.