Central Tien-Shan Mid-Altitude Mountain Steppe
Ranging from 1600-2400 m this dry steppe vegetation is typically dominated by Festuca valesiaca, Koeleria cristata, Stipa capillata, S. lessingiana and S. zalesskii. Other species may include Phleum phleoides, Poa stepposa together with species of Galium, Hedysarum, Medicago and Thalictrum. Bushes of Atraphaxis, Cotoneaster, Rosa and Spiraea are also often present.
Central Tien-Shan High Mountain Steppe
This ultra continental ecosystem can be found at altitudes ranging from 2800-3200 m. The vegetation largely comprises small cushion or cespitose (tufted) species. Typical species include Festuca musbelica, Hordeum turkestanicum, Stipa breviflora, S. subsessiliflora and endemic species of Acantholimon (Plumbaginaceae). It also extends in the eastern Pamir range.
Central Tien-Shan Alpine Short Grass and Kobresia Meadows
These cryophytic alpine meadows, which range in altitude from about 2800-3600 m, have varied composition, but provide important summer pasture for various wild and domestic animals. Some of the more common species include Allium kaufmannii, A. semenovii, Aster alpinus, Carex stenocarpa, Festuca kryloviana, Gentiana falcata, Kobresia capilliformis, K. humilis, K. stenocarpa, Leontopodium campestris, Poa alpina, Puccinellia subspicata, Trisetum spicatum and the endemic Alchemilla retropilosa (Rosaceae).
Central Tien-Shan Cryophytic Cushion Formations
Found in both Central Tien Shan and Eastern Pamir these ultra continental formations range in altitude from 4200-4600 m. Cryphytic cushions represent the most typical plant form with important species including Acantholimon diapensioides, Ajania tibetica, Oxytropis chionobia, O. humifusa, O. immersa, Potentilla pamirica, Sibbaldia tetrandra, Thylacospermum caespitosum and the endemic Oxytropis tianschanica (Fabaceae).
Central Tien-Shan Intermountain Grass-Sagebrush Desert
These formations are found in the dry intermountain depressions. Characteristic species include grasses like Cleistogenes squarrosa, Stipa breviflora and S. desertorum, and sagebrush like Artemisia issykkulensis, Ceratoides papposa and Helianthemum songaricum. Dwarf semi shrubs such as Limonium kaschgaricum, Reaumuria kaschgarica and Sympegma regelii may also be present.
Central Tien-Shan Intermountain Dwarf Semi-Shrub Desert
Dwarf semi-shrubs such as Artemisia issykkulensis, Ceratoides papposa, Limonium kaschgaricum, Reaumuria kaschgaricum and Sympegma regelii dominate certain intermountain depressions. More locally is Artemisa nigricans, Psathyrostachys hyalantha, the grass Stipa desertorum and the perennial saltworts Salsola gemmascens and Suaeda physophora.
Further information required.
References
Anon. 2004. Central Asia Mountain Ecosystems. Seminar on the role of ecosystems as waster suppliers. Convention on Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.
Knystautas, A. 1987. The Natural History of the USSR. Century Hutchinson Ltd.
Seminar on the Role of Ecosystems as Water Suppliers. 2004. Central Asia Mountain Ecosystems. Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia. Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.
Walter, H. & Box, E. O. 1983. Deserts of Central Asia. In: Ecosystems of the World 5 - Temperate Deserts and Semi-Deserts. Ed. N. E. West. Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company.