Turkestanian Juniper Forest
The dominant junipers of this BioProvince are Juniperus semiglobosa, J. seravschanica and J. turkestana. On the slopes of the Alai Mountains Juniperus pseudosabina appears to be the main species. These forests range from the lowland plain to an altitude of about 3300 m. At lower altitudes trees can attain 10-12 m in height, but are often reduced to shrubs of no more than about 2 m at higher altitudes. Many of the trees can reach great ages evidenced by many narrow annual rings. The shrub layer is not well developed but may comprise species such as Berberis heterophylla, Lonicera olgae, Ribes triste, Spiraea crenata and Sorbus tianschanika while Clematis alpina var. sibirica represents one of the few climbers. The herbaceous layer, on the other hand, is very rich and varied and has been described as nothing short of marvelous. It comprises several strata. Growing to heights of 20-30 cm are various flowering plants such as Cerastium dahuricum, Cortusa oliveri, Gentiana oliveri, Ligularia altaica, Ranunculus songoricus and Trollius songoricus. A middle layer of between 10-20 cm includes Adoxa moschatellina, Carum atropurpureum, Isopyrum anemonoides, Potentilla bifurca, the yellow flowered Viola uniflora, and the endemic or near endemic Astragalus myriophyllus (Fabaceae) and Psychrogeton turcestanicum (Asteraceae). At ground level there are various cespitose species such as the endemic Astragalus pamiro-alaicus (Fabaceae) and scattered throughout the herbaceous layer are various colourful bulbous plants like Fritillaria ruthenica, Gagea persica, Ixilirion pallasii and the endemic Crocus alatavicus (Iridaceae). Finally, the ground layer includes various annual species such as Euphrasia regelii, Gentiana leucomelaena, Lappula tenuis, Smelowskia sisymbrioides and a variety of bryophytes and lichens. At higher altitudes where the junipers become more bush-like the herbaceous vegetation becomes less abundant, but under and between the bushes there are often verdant carpets of annuals such as Galium songoricum and Veronica cardiocarpa, and scattered among the bushes are various taller herbaceous plants like the endemic Lagochilus paulsenii (Lamiaceae) and Polygonum acerosum (Polygonaceae).
Turkestanian Wild Fruit Forests
Wild fruit forests are a particular feature of this BioProvince. Forests characterised by the endemic apple Malus sieversii (Rosaceae) are sporadically distributed in Northern and Western Tien Shan, The fruits are characterized by a large variety of forms, sizes and flavouring qualities. On the southern slopes of Northern Tien Shan Apricot forests (Armeniaca vulgaris) have developed. These wild fruit bearing forests have great resource significance in that they have support a significant amount of the wild congeners of cultural plants (apple, apricot, haw).
Turkestanian Maple Forest
Forests dominated by the endemic maple (Acer turkestanicus) are sporadically distributed in Western Tien Shan, Pamir-Alai, Fergan and Gissar-Darvaz ridges. Associated trees include Acer semenovii, Malus sieversii, Crataegus pontica and C. Turkestanica. These forests support significant numbers of rare and disappearing species of flora and fauna.
Turkestanian Walnut Forest
Forests dominated by walnut (Juglans regia) are sporadically distributed in the more humid parts of Western Tien Shan, Pamir-Alai and Gissaro-Darvas at altitudes ranging from 1000-1400 m. They are considered to be relict formations of former Mediterranean conditions. Nevertheless, comparatively large stands of walnut forests can still be found at Ugamskii, Chatkalskii, Fergan and on the Gissaro-Darvaz ridges. Among associated trees are various endemic fruit-bearing species such as sivers apple (Malus sieversii), maple-walnut (Acer turkestanica), haw-pistachio (Crataegus turkestanica), plum (Prunus ferganica) and pear (Pyrus korshinsyi).
Turkestanian Spruce Forest
Spruce forests dominated by Picea schrenkiana range in altitude from about 1700-3200 m. Under story trees include the endemic rowans Sorbus persica and S. tianschanica (Rosaceae) and the endemic willow Salix tianshanica (Salicaceae) mixed with honey suckle and brambles. The endemic fir Abies semenovii (Pinaceae) also occurs.
Turkestanian Piedmont Xerophyte Hawthorn-Pistachio Woodland
These open woodlands can found in Western Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai on slopes of low and high mountains. Species composition varies but they are usually dominated by either Pistacia vera or Crataegus pontica and the endemic or near endemic Crataegus turkestanica (Rosaceae). Hawthorn (Crataegus) woodland with a high cereal savannoid ground cover is distributed on mountain periphery of Western Tien Shan at altitudes of 1000-1500 m. In pre-agricultural time this type of arid open woodlands covered large parts of this BioProvince. Open woodlands of Pistacia vera occur in southern parts of Western Tien Shan, in south Tajikistan, Badhyz (at altitudess of 700-800 m). The woodlands of Badhys are characterized by a motley-low grass ephemerous-ephemeroid ground cover (Carex pachystylis, Cousinia raddeana, Crambe kotschiana, Poa bulbosa and species of Merendera, Corydalis and Tulipa.
Turkestanian Subalpine Meadows and Juniper Elfin Wood
In Western Tien Shan at altitudes of between 2400-3000 m sub-alpine meadows alternate with juniper elfin wood (Juniperus pseudosabina). The most important associates include Alchemilla vulgaris, Geranium saxatile, G. albiflorum, together with the motley-grass species Alopecurus pratensis, Helictotrichon pubescens and Phleum phleoides. Also found here is the endemic Alchemilla retropilosa (Rosaceae).
Turkestanian Mountain Steppe
Steppe vegetation is widely distributed in this BioProvince from about 700 m to an altitude of about 3500 m, and can be found in the foothill plains of Alai and Western Tien Shan, the Fergana Valley and mountain massifs of Kara Tau and Nura Tau. It can be dominated by species of Fectuca and Stipa or comprises an herbaceous mixture. The associated flora is extremely varied and very rich with over 2000 species and contains many endemics. For example, there are 153 local endemics in the Kara Tau alone. Here the vegetation is characterized by northern-steppe elements such as Festuca valesiaca and Stipa kirghisorum, while the many associated endemic species include Cousinia mindshelknsis (Asteraceae), Lepidolopha karatavica (Asteraceae), Rhaphidophyton regelii (Chenopodiaceae), Scorzonera tau-sagyz (Asteraceae) and Stipa karatavica (Poaceae). On the Alai Plain Festuca valesiaca is again one of the dominant species together with Carex stenophylla var. desertorum and many tiny annuals such as Alyssum desertorum and Ceratocephalus orthoceras. Also common is Avena desertorum and the endemic Anemone tischernaewi (Ranunculaceae), while the moist ground near the River Kisil Su and its tributaries support various delicate forbs such as Polygonum cognatum, Ranunculus flexicaulis, Primula algida and the endemic or near endemic Carex regelii (Cyperaceae) and Erysimum altaicum (Brassicaceae). In the high mountain steppe of Eastern Pamir (2800-3200 m) the vegetation is largely composed of cushion and small cespitose cereals such as Festuca musbelica, Stipa breviflora, Stipa subsessiliflora, species Acantholimon and the endemic or near endemic Hordeum turkestanicum (Poaceae). Formations of cryophitic motley-grass cespitose-cereal steppes are also found on the south slopes of Western Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai with species such as Festuca musbelica, F. olgae and Helictotrichon hookeri. In the mid altitude belt of Western Pamir (Badakhshan) at elevations of 2700- 4000 m the vegetation is dominated by Artemisia korshinskyi and Artemisia lehmanniana with participation of mountain xerophytes like Acantholimon parviflorum Festuca valesiaca, Stipe caucasica and the endemic Acantholimon pamiricum (Plumbaginaceae) and Stipa turkestanica (Poaceae).
Turkestanian Grass-Sedge Savannoid
At lower altitudes, between 350-700 m, on the piedmont plains of Pamir-Alai and Western Tien Shan the vegetation is often dominated by low herbaceous, ephemeroid elements such as Carex pachystilis and Poa bulbosa. This formation has been described locally as savannoid. Ephemerous forbs including species of Astragalus, Alyssum, Malkolmia and Vulpia and sometimes annual saltwort species of Halocharis, Salsola and Suaeda may be present At higher hypsometric levels perennial forbs become more conspicuous with genera such as Cousinia, Phlomis and Stachys and including species like Artemisia cina, Cousinia sydariensis and the endemic Phlomis salicifolia (Lamiaceae). At mid-altitudes in Western Pamir, (Badahshan) at altitudes of 1800-2200 m there are ephemeroid-sagebrush formations. The vegetation includes Artemisia vachanica Poa bulbosa, Carex pachystylis with participation of savannoid tall forbs like Eremurus fuscus and the two endemic species Crambe schugnana (Brassicaceae) and Ferula foetidissima (Apiaceae). The distribution of many southern endemic and rare species are connected with these unique ecosystems.
Turkestanian Cryophytic Trigonella and Cushion plant Formations
Vegetation characterized by the large, tuft forming Trigonella emodi, which can reach a metre in diameter, occurs in various upland dry valleys and plains, and can be found, for example, in the area around Lake Jashil Kul (the green lake) in the Pamir Mountains at about 4000 m above sea level. Here it consists of a scattering of colourful, xerophytic tufted, cespitose and cushion forming plants, and has features in common with the fell-fields found in places like the Alps and Greenland. Among the tufted plants are various endemic species such as the Astragalus alitschuri (Fabaceae), the beautiful red flowered Hedysarum cephalotes (Fabaceae), Oxytropis bella and O. poncinsii (Fabaceae). The main cushion forming species are Acantholimon alatavicum and A. diapensioides. These can reach a metre in diameter and are so solidly filled with twigs and dead leaves that one can stand on top of them without causing any damage. A typical cespitose species is the grass Oryzopsis molinioides, which has leaves only 4-6 cm long. Macrotomia euchromon is cespitose when young but because the vertical rhizomes grow up over the surface of the ground it can eventually attain 30 cm or so in height and become cushion-like due to its covering of dead stems. Also characteristic of these formations are various suffruticescent plants such as Arenaria meyeri, Astragalus lasiosemius, Eurotia ceratoides, Polygonum paronychioides and the endemic Chrysanthemum pamiricum (Asteraceae). Eurotia is especially characteritsic because of its thick, flat, fasciated stem. At altitudes of 4200-4600 in Eastern Pamir there is predominance of microthermic grassy, shrub and semishrub species with cushion forms including species such as Acantholimon diapensioides, Ajania tibetica, Oxytropis chionobia, O.humifusa O. immersa, Sibbaldia tetrandra and the endemic Oxytropis tianschanica (Fabaceae) Potentilla pamirica (Roseaceae)and Thylacospermum caespitosum (Caryophyllaceae).
Turkestanian Piedmont Tall Forb and Grass Formations
These are characteristic of Western Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai on high flats ranging in altitude from 700-1200 m. The vegetation is dominated by tall forbs (Phlomis, Cousinia, Eremostachys, Ferula)andtall grasses (Agropyron trichophorum, Hordeum bulbosum). Ecosystems of this type are unique to this region. They are distinguished by an original floristic composition and abundance of rare and endemic species and some are dominated by giant umbellates. In the foothills of Western Tien Shan the main species are Alcea nudiflora, Eremurus regelii and the endemic Ferula karatavica (Apiaceae), while on Badhys the endemic Ferula dorema (Apiaceae) can be found.
Turkestanian Poa attenuata Mountain Grassland
On wetter north and northeastern slopes of the Pamirs on soil rich in humus there is a grassland association dominated by Poa attenuata. It is a mesophytic community confined to the wetter areas. On the northeastern slopes the associated species include Carex macrogyna, Geranium collinum var. saxatile, Kobresia schoenoides, Leontopodium alpinum, Lloydia serotina, Myosotis silvatica, Primula nivalis, Sedum gelidum, Saxifraga cernua, S. flagellaris, and several endemic or near endemic species such as Gypsophila cephalotes (Caryophyllaceae) and the two succulent ranunculi Ranunculus rubrocalyx and R. rufrosepalus (Ranunculaceae). Northern slopes appear to have a slightly different assemblage with species such as Dracocephalum discolor, Nepeta kokanica, Pedicularis dubia and the endemic or near endemic Draba turcestanica (Brassiaceae) and Oryzopsis purpurascens (Poaceae). Moving towards the summits further compositional changes occur although grass continues to be conspicuous. The interesting endemic brassica Didymophysa fedtschenkoana (Brassicaceae) with its fresh, succulent leaves, small white flowers and bladder-shapes fruits, has been recorded on at least one summit growing under boulders.
Turkestanian Talus Slope Formations
Where talus slopes support large stones these provide sheltered areas where fine soils can develop, and even on the most exposed slopes these usually retain a degree of moisture. Nevertheless, many of these slopes are devoid of plant life and where it does exist there maybe several metres between each plant. On the northern parts of Jashil Kul in the Pamirs talus slopes stretch from the almost perpendicular mountains slopes down to the lake shore. The characteristic plant species of these slopes include Acantholimon alatavicum, Astragalus lasiosemius, Cicer pungens, Elymus lanatus, Eurotia ceratoides, Ligusticum alpinum, Nepeta podostachys, Rubia tibetica, Zozimia tragioides and the endemic Heracleum olgae (Apiaceae) and Lagochilus diacanthophyllus (Lamiaceae). Other less common species include Astragalus tibetanus, Silene caucasica and the endemic Artemisia pamirica (Asteraceae) and Astragalus alitschuri (Fabaceae). Also growing sporadically on the lower slopes are large quantities of Chamaenerium angustifolium and low bushes of Hippophae rhamnoides.
Turkestanian Montane Swamp and Marshland
Along the shores of many of the slow moving rivers and deltas are large green flatlands dominated by large cyperaceous-tufts often up to a metre in height. Some of these are thought to be of great age and principally dominated by Carex orbicularis, Kobresia bellardi, Royleana schoenoides and R. stenocarpa. Many of these marshes are saline and include more typical halophytes like Atropis tenuiflora, Carex pseudofoetida, Suaeda setigera, Triglochin maritima, Saussurea crassifolia and the endemic Alopecurus mucronatus (Poaceae), Erysimum pamiricum (Brassicaceae), Oxytropis glabra var. pamiricum (Fabaceae) and Polygonum pamiricum (Polygonaceae). In associated shallow water there are a number of hygrophytes such as Batrachium paucistamineum, Zanichellia pedicellata and the endemic Zostera-like Potamogeton pamiricus (Potamogetonaceae). Particularly interesting are the stony riverbed formations. Many of the rivers virtually dry out in summer and support very characteristic vegetation. It includes willows, such as Salix oxycarpa, that can attain heights of 4-5 m, while associated Myricaria squamosa forms bushes up the 1 m tall. Other common species include Potentilla salessowii, with stiff upright stems 20-40 cm tall and great tufts of the attractive white flowered endemic Scrophularia incisa var. pamirica (Scrophulariaceae). Less common species include Sisymbrium korolkowii, Tanacetum tibeticum, the beautiful Delphinium cachemirianum, and the two endemic or near endemic species Ligularia altaica (Asteraceae) with its broad blue-green leaves and yellow flowers and Scutellaria filicaulis (Lamiaceae). Also very characteristic if not unique is the vegetation found in areas near hot springs. Near Jashil Kul there are two major hot springs producing water that can reach temperature of 78oC. The associated vapour can be seen for miles around. The vegetation adjacent to these springs is often dominated by luxuriant stands of Scirpus compressus, which can form fresh green stripes on the brown mountainside, but this species is also abundant in the vicinity of cold springs and so does not appear to be dependent on the raised temperature. On the other hand, in the hot spring basins and along the warmer courses the characteristic species are Veronica oxycarpa and the endemic Epilobium thermophilum (Onagraceae). Both of these depend on both the moisture and the warmth.
Turkestanian Mountain Desert Formations
These are found in ultra-continental, warm temperate regions of Eastern Pamir at altitudes ranging from 3500-4200 m. They largely comprise sagebrush and grass-sagebrush with species such as Artemisia skorniakowii, Krascheninnikovia ceratoides, Stipa glareosa and S. orientalis. Other species include Christolea crassifolia and the endemic Xylanthemum pamiricum (Asteraceae).
Turkestanian Alpine Short Grass and Kobresia Meadows
In Western Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai at elevations of 2800-3600 m cryophytic vegetation of various composition can be found. The most important species include Alchemilla retropilosa, Aster alpinus, Festuca kryloviana, Gentiana falcate, Kobresia capilliformis, K. humilis, K. stenocarpa, Leontopodium campestre, Poa alpina, Puccinella subspicata and Trisetum spicatum. Also present are the mountain onions Allium semenovii and A. kaufmannii and many other species.
Further information required.
References
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McGinnies, W. G. et al. (eds). 1970. Deserts of the World. The University of Arizona Press.
Nowak, A & Nobis, M. 2010.Tentative list of endemic vascular plants of the Zeravshan Mts in Tajikistan: distribution, habitat preferences and conservation status of species. Biodiversity: Research and Conservation, 19: 65-80.
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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.