Expedition

The Moscow University summer expedition of 2016 to Kyrgyzstan had at least three priority tasks:

• visiting of loci classici of Allium species from the sections Oreiprason and Falcatifolia for clear understanding of name implementation in line with molecular revision;
• enlargement of fresh Middle Asian collections in the Moscow University Herbarium (MW) with special emphasis on groups studied by the university staff members;
• search for new regional plant records upon the scheme of floristic regions used by Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014).

The schedule of expedition, collectors' names and intensity of collections (excluding duplicates) are presented in Table 1. All collections were made by A.P. Seregin, except specimens collected in July, 13–19 as a part of the international expedition and from July, 31 to August, 7 with D.F. Lyskov. The map of collecting localities is presented in Fig. 1.

Table 1. General information on the Moscow State University summer expedition to Kyrgyzstan (2016)

Identification of Collections

Identification of plants was performed by Seregin primarily using Manual of Vascular Plants of Central Asia (Vols. 1–10, 1968–1993) and to some extant Flora of Tajik SSR (Vols. 1–10, 1957–1991). Other sources were used for consultation in various groups additionally. Dr. Georgy A. Lazkov (Caryophyllaceae, Lamiaceae and many other) and Dr. Alexander N. Sennikov (Asteraceae) kindly shared with us their knowledge on some groups of Kyrgyz plants during our mutual trip and lately by photo. Brassicaceae were identified by Dr. Dmitry German during his short visit to the Moscow University Herbarium in September 2016. Some identifications were made by Dr. D.F. Lyskov (Apiaceae), Dr. O.V. Yurtseva (Polygonaceae) and Dr. D.A. Krivenko (Astragalus).

Figure 1. Expedition route and collection localities of the 2016 Moscow University summer expedition to Kyrgyzstan, with new country records indicated: (1) Utricularia australis R. Br. (Tyugel-Say, 3.08.2016); (2) Artemisia verlotiorum Lamotte (Kadamzhay, 18.07.2016); Arctium ×ambiguum (Čelak.) Nyman (Sary-Chelek Reserve, 26.07.2016).

Floristic Records

All records were checked against both editions of the Checklist of vascular plants of Kyrgyzstan by Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) to find out the new reports for one of seven floristic regions ("biogeographical provinces"). The standard English names and abbreviations for these regions were designated later by Lazkov & Sennikov (2015) (Fig. 2):

• - Northern Kyrgyzstan (NK),
• - Ysyk-Köl Depression (YK),
• - Central Tian Shan (CT),
• - Western Tian Shan (WT),
• - Fergana part of Kyrgyzstan (FK),
• - Inner Tian Shan (IT),
• - Alay Valley (А).

Figure 2. Floristic regions (biogeographical provinces) of Kyrgyzstan as delineated by Lazkov & Sultanova (2011), with English nomenclature following Lazkov & Sennikov (2015).

Finally, we consulted other published sources to find out whether the plant is really new for a certain region, or earlier records were just missed in the checklist. Some references were kindly pointed out by an anonymous reviewer.

Results and discussion

There are two sorts of noteworthy records published and discussed below.

“New records” are completely new reports in one of seven floristic regions (NK, YK, CT, WT, FK, IT, А) comparing to Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) based upon our field collections.

“Additional records” are the reports from floristic regions new to Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014), but published earlier by other authors and confirmed by us. For instance, many neglected records were published in the Flora of Tajik SSR (Vols. 1–10, 1957–1991) from Alay Valley which was fully covered by this source. A brief citation of all available specimens is a superb advantage of this series over other standard floras of the former Soviet Middle Asian states. Some omissions are mentioned in Manual of Vascular Plants of Central Asia (Vols. 1–10, 1968–1993). Although records in this source are generalized up to the ranges, some of them could be undoubtedly correlated with floristic regions used in Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014).

Species are cited in alphabetic order of families and genera.

Allium carolinianum DC. (A. polyphyllum Kar. et Kir.) (Amaryllidaceae)

Fig. 3

Additional records: Kyrgyzstan. A. Alay Mountains: 39°44′32″N, 73°10′36″E, M41 highway (Pamirsky Trakt), 6 km to W from Sary-Tash, rocks and fine earth on slope among rocks, 3,530 m a.s.l., 27.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1771 (MW0896307); A. Alay Valley: 39°39′46″N, 72°44′25″E, 1.5 km to E from Karakabak, Kyzyl-Dong Mount (E part), S slope, red sandy loam, 2,870 m a.s.l., 29.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1841 (MW0896308).

Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Western Tian Shan, Fergana, and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions. We revealed an earlier report from Sary-Mogol situated in Alay Valley floristic region based upon collections by Krivonogova (Vvedensky 1963). Our collections confirm this record.

Figure 3. Umbel of Allium carolinianum (Sary-Tash).

Allium filifolium Regel (Amaryllidaceae)

Fig. 4

Additional records: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Ala-Too: 42°20′09″N 73°04′21″E, between Ötmök Pass and Taldy-Bulak, group of rocks along highway, shelves, 2,480 m a.s.l., 22.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1569 (MW0896289); WT. 42°17′20″N, 72°21′10″E, 27 km to SSE from Talas, Besh-Tash gorge, middle course, right slope, shelves and crevices of small rocky ridge and adjacent bare stony slope, 2,170 m a.s.l., 23.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1604 (MW0896287); WT. 42°19′14″N, 71°35′31″E, 31 km to S from Kyzyl-Adyr, the Kara-Buura River gorge, shelves and ridges of vertically dislocated shale rocks, 1,720 m a.s.l., 23.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1613 (MW0896285).

Figure 4. Young umbel of Allium filifolium (locus classicus, Besh-Tash).

This species was synonymized with A. kokanicum Regel by Vvedensky (1971). This broad concept was presented by Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014), who reported A. kokanicum s.l. from Northern Kyrgyzstan and Fergana floristic regions. Preliminary molecular data show that A. kokanicum group is extremely diverse and consists of several geographical lineages of uncertain relations (Seregin, Friesen 2015). The locus classicus of A. filifolium is situated in Western Tian Shan floristic region – it was described from Besh-Tash Valley in Talas Ala-Too (Regel 1878). Being one of the oldest names in the group, A. filifolium will be accepted for dwarf plants which are forming patches in rock crevices of Talas Ala-Too, whereas typical A. kokanicum is more robust and growing solitary on sandy loam of Alay Mountains. We made several collections of A. filifolium in Western Tian Shan floristic region, including a gathering from the locus classicus (MW0896287).

Later on, Lazkov & Turdumatova (2021b) revised A. kokanicum s. l. in Kyrgyzstan. They mapped three taxonomic entities within the group (A. kokanicum s. str., A. filifolium, A. caricoides Regel) separately, but the whole list of collections was attributed to A. kokanicum s. l.

Allium jucundum Vved. (Amaryllidaceae)

Fig. 5

Additional record: Kyrgyzstan. YK. Teskey (Terskey) Ala-Too: 42°08′25″N, 76°20′14″E, lower course of the Ulakhol River, rock on right bank, N river-faced slope, stony grassland (near Tuura-Suu), 2,230 m a.s.l., 4.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-2013 (MW0896295, MW0896294).

Figure 5. Umbels of Allium jucundum (locus classicus, the Ulakhol River).

The locus classicus which was clearly defined on the holotype label and protologue as "lower course of the Ulakhol River, rocks" (Vvedensky 1934) is situated in Ysyk-Köl Depression floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions, while the classical locality was missed. We confirmed presence of the species in locus classicus.

Allium kirilovii N. Friesen et Seregin (Amaryllidaceae)

Fig. 6

New record: Kyrgyzstan. YK. Küngöy Ala-Too: 42°40′06″N, 76°21′46″E, the Toru-Aygyr River catchment, 19 km to N from Toru-Aygyr, W slope, Ziziphora community on granite crushed stones, 2,440 m a.s.l., 5.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-2051 (MW0896299).

Additional records: Kyrgyzstan NK. Chong-Kemin River valley (middle course): 42°51′49″N, 76°39′34″E, lower course of the the Dzhindi-Suu River (fed by glaciers below Chok-Tal Mount), Picea forest zone, fine earth between boulders, 2,560 m a.s.l., 6.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-2127 (MW0896297; MW0896298); 42°48′55″N, 76°26′25″E, Picea forest zone, the Dzhan-Aryk River mouth (right tributary), river bed escarp of the Chong-Kemin River, 2,170 m a.s.l., 7.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-2141 (MW0896296).

Figure 6. Umbel of Allium kirilovii (the Chong-Kemin River).

The species was described from two localities – Kegen District, Kazakhstan and E Tian Shan, China based on molecular evidence (Seregin et al. 2015). Later on, A. Seregin identified the photo made by A. Naumenko in Chong-Kemin valley (NK), Kyrgyzstan (plantarium.ru). This was the first country record of the species. Lazkov & Turdumatova (2021a) revised specimens in the Herbarium of Institute of Biology and Soil Science, Bishkek (FRU) and published several records from Northern Kyrgyzstan floristic region, but mainly from Chong-Kemin mentioned above.

Allium kirilovii looks similar to white-flowered A. leptomorphum Vved. and A. talassicum Regel, which also have cylindrical false bulbs. Meanwhile, it clearly differs from both by yellow anthers, and represents another lineage being phylogenetically related to A. petraeum Kar. et Kir. from the section Oreiprason Hermann.

Prangos pabularia Lindl. (Apiaceae)

Additional record: Kyrgyzstan. IT. Fergana Range foothills: 41°21′36″N, 73°45′40″E, old road from Jalal-Abad to Kazarman, 22 km to W from Kazarman, small escarp, 1,850 m a.s.l., 1.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-1907 (MW0858237, MW0858238).

Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Western Tian Shan and Fergana floristic regions. Pimenov & Kljuykov (2002) mapped the species with at least three localities on NE slope of Fergana Range (Inner Tian Shan floristic region). We made our collection roughly in the same place.

Anthemis ruthenica M. Bieb. (Asteraceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. FK. Fergana Range: 41°12′27″N, 73°23′54″E, 7 km to NE from Arkhangelskoye, Juglans regia forest zone, Kazarman road margin, 1,580 m a.s.l., 31.07.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-1873 (MW0883310).

A rapidly spreading in Kyrgyzstan annual alien (Sennikov, Lazkov 2024). Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan and Fergana floristic regions. Lazkov & Sennikov (2014) mapped thoroughly A. ruthenica from many localities in Northern Kyrgyzstan and a single place in Western Tian Shan floristic region, whereas records from Fergana Valley were neither discussed nor confirmed by them. Most probably, the record from Fergana floristic region of Kyrgyzstan was based on Kamelin & Kovalevskaja (1993a) who reported the species for the first time for Middle Asia, including the Shakhimardan [Shohimardon] River catchment in Alay Mountains. This area is an exclave of Uzbekistan, therefore formally our collection is the first evidence of the species presence in Fergana floristic region of Kyrgyzstan. Only one individual was discovered.

Arctium × ambiguum (Čelak.) Nyman (= A. lappa L. × A. tomentosum Mill.)

( A. ×leiobardanum Juz. et Ye.V. Serg. ex Stepanov = A. leiospermum Juz. et Ye.V. Serg. × A. tomentosum Mill.) (Asteraceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. FK. Chatkal Range: 41°52′00″N, 71°58′35″E, Sary-Chelek Reserve, small lake Kyls-Köl (along road to Lake Sary-Chelek), NW bank, grass slope from road to lake, 1,850 m a.s.l., 26.07.2016, A. Seregin & T. Zhunusova A-1712 (MW0887825).

This hybrid was neglected for Kyrgyzstan by Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014). Juzepczuk & Sergievskaya (1962) regarded A. leiospermum to be distinct from A. lappa, and therefore described A.×leiobardanum as a new nothospecies. The description of this hybrid was made in Russian and no type was cited, although a brief distribution record included Tian Shan. Later on, the name was validated by Stepanov (1992) with a type originating from Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia. We regard A. leiospermum to be a synonym of A. lappa, and therefore reduce A.×leiobardanum to the synonymy of A.×ambiguum. Both parents, i.e. A. tomentosum Mill. (MW0887839) and A. lappa L. s. l. (MW0887826) were growing together thus making the hybrid easily recognisable.

Artemisia verlotiorum Lamotte (Asteraceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. FK. Alay Mountains foothills: 40°07′29″N, 71°43′23″E, Kadamzhay, town centre (near House of Culture), on lawn among cultivated shrubs, vegetative clone, 1,060 m a.s.l., 18.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1476 (MW0886588).

A new record for Kyrgyzstan and Middle Asia (alien species). The plant was recognized easily due to presence of long rhizomes which form a dense vegetative clone. The species was incorrectly synonymized with A. vulgaris by Li (1993), who introduced misleading broad treatment of this complex in Middle Asia. Molecular data show that A. vulgaris and its rhizomatous East Asian allies are genetically different and forming several well-supported clades (Sanz et al. 2008; Hobbs & Baldwin 2013). Artemisia verlotiorum is the most widespread East Asian alien from this group in Europe and the Mediterranean area (Greuter 2006–2016). It is widely distributed in China where it is treated as a native species, but no records were made in the neighbouring Xinjiang (Lin et al. 2011). In Kyrgyzstan, A. verlotiorum is a locally established alien spreading vegetatively by long creeping rhizomes. Additional on site observations are required to study whether it produces fertile seeds in late autumn.

Doronicum turkestanicum Cavill. (Asteraceae)

Additional record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Trans-Alay Range: 39°30′33″N, 73°16′34″E, M41 highway (Pamirsky Trakt), Bardoba border post, small right tributary of the Kyzyl-Art River, fine earth above N-faced rock, 3,560 m a.s.l., 28.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1806 (MW0886878).

Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from all floristic regions excluding Alay Valley, although there are multiple collections from this area starting from historical gatherings by O. & B. Fedtschenko (Kinzikayeva 1988). We made our collection exactly in the same place near Bardoba border post.

Lepidotheca suaveolens (Pursh) Nutt. ( Matricaria discoidea DC.) (Asteraceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Ala-Too: 42°06′40″N, 72°48′12″E, middle course of the Chichkan River, left bank, 27 km to N from Toktogul, highway margin, 1,640 m a.s.l., 21.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1540 (MW0883708).

New to Western Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Fergana, and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions. This North American weed is still spreading. Alien species in Kyrgyzstan (Sennikov, Lazkov 2024).

Rhaponticoides ruthenica (Lam.) M. V. Agab. & Greuter ( Centaurea ruthenica Lam.) (Asteraceae)

Additional record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Ala-Too: 42°17′17″N, 72°21′14″E, 27 km to SSE from Talas, Besh-Tash gorge, middle course, right slope, stony W slope dominated by steppe grasses and petrophytes, 2,120 m a.s.l., 23.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1590 (MW0890720).

Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Fergana, and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions. Machmedov (1993a) reported the species from Talas Ala-Too (Western Tian Shan floristic region), where we also collected it.

Senecio subdentatus Ledeb. (Asteraceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. YK. Inner Tian Shan: 42°17′08″N, 75°51′48″E, upper course of the Chüy River, right slope of the valley, 10 km below Kochkorka, granite outcrops above highway, 1,760 m a.s.l., 3.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-2004 (MW0887181).

New to Ysyk-Köl Depression floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Western Tian Shan, Fergana, and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions. Additionally, it was reported from Alay Valley floristic region by Zuckerwanik (1993). The species is widely distributed in Middle Asia, as well as in Transcaucasia, Southern Siberia, Xinjiang, and Mongolia (Zuckerwanik 1993; Chen et al. 2011).

Serratula sogdiana Bunge (Asteraceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. IT. Fergana Range foothills: 41°21′27″N, 73°40′59″E, old road from Jalal-Abad to Kazarman, 28 km to W from Kazarman, meadow community, 2,020 m a.s.l., 1.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-1903 (MW0890247).

New to Inner Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Western Tian Shan, and Fergana floristic regions. Additionally, it was reported from Alay Valley floristic region by Machmedov (1993b). The species is endemic to western sector of Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay. Our record denotes the eastern limit of the species range.

Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae)

Additional record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Valley: 42°30′13″N, 72°50′57″E, 9 km below Köpürö-Bazar, Kara-Choku Mount, S foot, Artemisia community, a single individual, 1,830 m a.s.l., 22.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1587 (MW0883796).

Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan and Fergana floristic regions. Earlier, it was reported from Inner Tian Shan floristic region (vicinity of the Naryn City) and Western Tian Shan floristic region (Talas Valley) by Kamelin & Kovalevskaja (1993b). We confirmed the species from Talas Valley. In Kyrgyzstan, T. inodorum is a rapidly spreading alien (Sennikov, Lazkov 2024). There were no collections from the Middle Asian mountains until mid-20th century (Pobedimova 1961), whereas Kamelin & Kovalevskaja (1993) reported the species from many places in Dzhungarian Alatau, Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay.

Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M. Johnst. ( Lithospermum arvense L.) (Boraginaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Alay Mountains: 39°46′05″N, 73°10′09″E, M41 highway (Pamirsky Trakt), Taldyk Pass, man-made stony terrace above the Taldyk River, 3,600 m a.s.l., 27.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1758 (MW0876575).

New to Alay Valley floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Western Tian Shan, and Fergana floristic regions. It is a fairly common species in Middle Asia but usually it occurs on lower altitudes. We discovered L. arvense as a pioneer of a newly constructed area at the altitude 3,600 m a.s.l. The highest previous altitudinal record for this species was 3,000 m a.s.l. (Chukavina 1984).

Draba lanceolata Royle (Brassicaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Ala-Too: 42°12′02″N, 72°59′22″

New to Western Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, and Fergana floristic regions. Detailed distribution of the species in Tian Shan was not specified by Kovalevskaja (1974) because of its commonness in the Middle Asian region.

Erysimum kamelinii D.A. German ( E. humillimum auct.) (Brassicaceae)

Additional record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Alay Mountains: 39°46′05″N, 73°10′09″E, M41 highway (Pamirsky Trakt), Taldyk Pass, man-made stony terrace above the Taldyk River, 3,600 m a.s.l., A. Seregin, 27.07.2016, № A-1763, det. D. German (MW0835753).

This recently described species should be encountered for Middle Asia instead of E. humillimum auct. (German 2012) including old reports of E. altaicum auct. It is the most common high mountainous representative of the genus in the region ranging from Tarbagatai to Pamir-Alai, as reported for E. humillimum by Adylov (1974). As shown earlier (German 2012; German et al. 2013), the vast majority of specimens cited as E. alaicum Novopokr. by Polatschek (2010) also belong there. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded this species under the name E. humillimum auct. from six out of seven (except for Alay Valley) floristic regions. However, it is not rare in this region as well and was recorded from it since long ago. In particular, Shevchenko (1955) stressed that "...Some specimens [of "E. humillimum"] from Chon-Alay have deep violet sepals” thus unabmiguously referring to Alay Valley floristic region. Recently, two accessions (O. Paulsen 604 (C) and J. Rusanovich s.n. (MHA), both as "E. alaicum") have been reported by Polatschek (2010). Abundance of E. kamelinii in the region is illustrated by the fact that only in LE there are over 40 gatherings of the species (stored under the names E. altaicum C.A. Mey. and E. humillimum (C.A. Mey.) N. Busch) from Alay Valley including those from Taldyk Pass. Hence, E. kamelinii occurs in all floristic regions of Kyrgyzstan.

Eutrema altaicum (C.A. Mey.) Al-Shehbaz et Warwick ( Taphrospermum altaicum C.A. Mey.) (Brassicaceae)

Additional record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Alay Mountains: 39°46′05″N, 73°10′09″E, M41 highway (Pamirsky Trakt), Taldyk Pass, man-made stony terrace above the Taldyk River, 3,600 m a.s.l., 27.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1746, det. D. German (MW0833963). Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from all floristic regions except Alay Valley. We revealed an earlier report from this floristic region upon collections by Grubov et al. from Bardoba in Trans-Alay Range published by Yunusov (1978b).

Goldbachia torulosa DC. (Brassicaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Alay Mountains: 39°46′05″N, 73°10′09″E, M41 highway (Pamirsky Trakt), Taldyk Pass, man-made stony terrace above the Taldyk River, 3,600 m a.s.l., 27.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1759, det. D. German (MW0834316).

New to Alay Valley floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Fergana floristic region only. Although Nabijev (1974) indicated that the species is distributed throghout Middle Asia, following Botschantzev’s (1963) characteristics of G. torulosa as "very widely distributed: from Turkey through Transcaucasia and Iran to India and through the Middle Asia to Kashgaria", the first precise report of the species from Kyrgyzstan was published by Aydarova & Sultanova (1985). Further records of G. torulosa from other floristic regions of the country are very likely.

Iljinskaea planisiliqua (Fisch. et C.A. Mey.) Al-Shehbaz, Özüdogru et D.A. German ( Conringia planisiliqua Fisch. et C.A. Mey.) (Brassicaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Ala-Too: 42°17′20″N, 72°21′10″E, 27 km to SSE from Talas, Besh-Tash gorge, middle course, right slope, stony slope, 2,170 m a.s.l., 23.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1608, det. D. German (MW0837591).

New to Western Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Fergana, Inner Tian Shan, and Alay Valley floristic regions.

Lepidium apetalum Willd. (Brassicaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. NK. Kyrgyz Ala-Too: 42°23′18″N, 73°48′28″E, the Abla River gorge, 32 km to S from Sosnovka, large stony highway margin, 2,210 m a.s.l., 11.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1229, teste D. German (MW0833279).

New to Northern Kyrgyzstan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Ysyk-Köl Depression and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions.

Meniocus linifolius (Steph.) DC. (Brassicaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Alay Valley: 39°39′45″N, 72°44′24″E, 1.5 km to E from Karakabak, Kyzyl-Dong Mount (E part), S slope, red sandy loam, 2,860 m a.s.l., 29.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1834 (MW0836169).

New to Alay Valley floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Western Tian Shan, and Fergana floristic regions. Being widely distributed in Middle Asia, the species is somewhat rare in Pamir-Alay where it was reported only from few ranges (Schermatov 1974; Yunusov 1978a).

Neslia apiculata Fisch. et C.A. Mey. (Brassicaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. IT. Fergana Range foothills: 41°21′27″N, 73°40′59″E, old road from Jalal-Abad to Kazarman, 28 km to W from Kazarman, road margin, 2,020 m a.s.l., 1.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-1904, det. D. German (MW0834950). New to Inner Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, and Fergana floristic regions. This record delimits the eastern range of the species. Being widely distributed across the Mediterranean area and Middle Asia (Vinogradova 1974; Marhold 2011), the species is apparently absent in China (Zhou et al. 2001; Species..., 2024).

Parnassia palustris L. (Celastraceae)

Additional record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Alay Valley: 39°37′25″N, 72°39′24″E, 1 km to SW of Kashka-Su, spring fen on the left bank of the Kyzyl-Su River, 2,790 m a.s.l., 28.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1832 (MW0838512).

Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Western Tian Shan, Fergana, and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions. There are at least three earlier reports from Alay Valley floristic region upon collections by Ladygina, Kochkareva & Ryabkova published by Chukavina (1975). These gatherings were made on the Kyzyl-Su River, where we also collected P. palustris.

Anabasis tianschanica Botsch. (Chenopodiaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. YK. Küngöy Ala-Too foothills: 42°35′02″N, 76°24′33″E, middle course of the Toru-Aygyr River, 10 km to N from Toru-Aygyr, below sandstone inselbergs, 1,920 m a.s.l., 5.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-2082 (MW0825002).

New to Ysyk-Köl Depression floristic region. No Anabasis species were recorded from this area by Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014), whereas A. tianschanica was reported from Northern Kyrgyzstan and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions. The species is endemic to Kyrgyzstan (Pratov 1972; Lazkov & Sultanova 2011, 2014).

Atriplex oblongifolia Waldst. et Kit. (Chenopodiaceae)

New records: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Chatkal Valley: 41°43′02″N, 70°59′17″E, Aygyrdzhal, southern part of the village (Karasu), near toilet cabin, in shade, 1,700 m a.s.l., 15.07.2016, A. Seregin, G. Lazkov, A. Sennikov, E. von Raab-Straube, A. Szukala, & M. Ganybayeva A-1359 (MW0821500); WT. Chatkal Range: 41°40′39″N, 70°58′39″E, Tuz-Ashuu gorge running in granites, 5 km to S from Aygyrdzhal, along the trail, as a weed, 2,030 m a.s.l., 24.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1647 (MW0821501).

New to Western Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species only from Northern Kyrgyzstan floristic region following monographic treatment of the genus by Suchorukow (2007), but in the latter paper there are no precisely localized records from Kyrgyzstan. Pratov (1972) had synonymized A. oblongifolia with A. patula L., and therefore the former species was underrecorded in Kyrgyzstan. Suchorukow (2007) regarded the species to be native for southern steppes and semi-deserts of Eastern Europe, Western and Central Kazakhstan. In Chatkal Range and Chatkal Valley, A. oblongifolia is a naturalized alien which is growing along trails and near houses. Also, it is regarded to be an alien species in Kyrgyzstan (Sennikov, Lazkov 2024).

Chenopodium prostratum Bunge (Chenopodiaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. IT. Jaman-Too Range foothills: 41°04′52″N, 74°46′40″E, exit of the Jaman-Davan River on the pediment, Agropyron + Artemisia steppe on the edge of riverbed cliff, 2,480 m a.s.l., 2.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-1909 (MW0896230).

New to Inner Tian Shan floristic region. Pratov (1972) reported C. prostratum for Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay without any details. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan floristic region only. The species is underrecorded in Kyrgyzstan due to traditional broad treatment of C. album L. s. l.

Chenopodium strictum Roth (Chenopodiaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. FK. Alay Mountains foothills: 40°12′08″N, 72°04′39″E, between Uch-Korgon and Olagysh (Valakish), right slope of the Isfayram-Say River valley, stony talweg, 1,050 m a.s.l., 17.07.2016, A. Seregin, G. Lazkov, A. Sennikov, E. von Raab-Straube, A. Szukala, & M. Ganybayeva A-1450 (MW0821289).

New to Fergana floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan floristic region only. Pratov (1972) had synonymized C. strictum with C. album L., and therefore the former species was underrecorded in Kyrgyzstan.

Chenopodium vulvaria L. (Chenopodiaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Ala-Too: 42°19′14″N, 71°35′31″E, 31 km to S from Kyzyl-Adyr, the Kara-Buura River gorge, crushed stones below shale rocks with traces of passing cattle, 1,720 m a.s.l., 23.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1616 (MW0821309). New to Western Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Fergana floristic region only. Later on, Lazkov & Sennikov (2014) reviewed precisely records of C. vulvaria in Kyrgyzstan reporting it from Kara-Balta (Northern Kyrgyzstan floristic region) and Nookat (Fergana floristic region) as a locally established alien. The plant is easy recognisable due to disgusting smell of rotten fish. An alien species in Kyrgyzstan (Sennikov, Lazkov 2024).

Helianthemum songaricum Schrenk (Cistaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. IT. Inner Tian Shan: 41°52′18″N, 74°21′09″E, left bank of the Kokomeren River near the Jumgol River mouth, plateau-like bench above Aral, pebble with fine earth, sparse Artemisia-community, 1,580 m a.s.l., 3.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-1980 (MW0854593).

New to Inner Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Western Tian Shan, and Fergana floristic regions. Some years later, a specimen of the species was collected by E. Duulatov in Ming Kush Valley, Naryn (Inner Tian Shan floristic region) and used in molecular studies of Helianthemum (Zhuo et al. 2024).

Carex caucasica Steven (Cyperaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Ala-Too: 42°06′45″N, 72°48′07″E, middle course of the Chichkan River, left bank, 27 km to N from Toktogul, Abies + Betula forest on the flood plain, 1,630 m a.s.l., 21.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1529 (MW0811015).

New to Western Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, and Fergana floristic regions. Distribution record by Egorova (1976) includes several ranges of the Tian Shan system—Ketmen, Trans-Ili, Küngöy, Teskey, Kyrgyz, Uzun-Akhmat, Chatkal, and Fergana (no records from Talas Ala-Too as well).

Dipsacus dipsacoides (Kar. et Kir.) Botsch. ( D. azureus Schrenk) (Dipsacaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. IT. Fergana Range foothills: 41°21′27″N, 73°40′59″E, old road from Jalal-Abad to Kazarman, 28 km to W from Kazarman, meadow community, 2,020 m a.s.l., 1.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov (observation, see also MW0880616).

New to Inner Tian Shan floristic region and Fergana Range. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Western Tian Shan, and Fergana floristic regions. Additionally, it was reported from Alay Valley floristic region by Karimova (1988) upon collections by Ovczinnikov & Zaprjagaeva from the Ay-Topkan River. A showy plant which is much rarer in inner regions of Tian Shan, than on western facade.

Astragalus lepsensis Bunge (Fabaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Ala-Too: 42°06′43″N, 72°48′07″E, middle course of the Chichkan River, left bank, 27 km to N from Toktogul, Abies + Betula forest on the flood plain, 1,630 m a.s.l., 21.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1526 (MW0845977).

New to Western Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions. Borissova et al. (1946) and Pratov (1981) reported the species from Tian Shan, but in both cases, authors underlined that A. lepsensis is absent in Western Tian Shan. We suppose our record to be the westernmost one.

Astragalus lithophilus Kar. et Kir. (Fabaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Trans-Alay Range: 39°30′34″N, 73°16′26″E, M41 highway (Pamirsky Trakt), Bardoba border post, small right tributary of the Kyzyl-Art River, stony bottom of the valley, 3,530 m a.s.l., 28.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1802, det. D. Krivenko (MW0894974).

Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Fergana, and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions. Also, there are several collections from Alay Valley made by Lipschitz in 1931 (MW0846085, MW0846086, MW0846088, MW0846091).

Medicago sativa L. s. l. (Fabaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Valley: 42°30′11″N, 72°50′58″E, 9 km below Köpürö-Bazar, foot of Kara-Choku Mount, the Talas River flood plain between the river and the road, forb community, 1,820 m a.s.l., 22.07.2016, A. Seregin (observation).

New to Western Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan floristic region only following Nikitina (1960), although Ubukeeva (1957) reported M. sativa to be an ancient forage plant widely cultivated in all regions of Kyrgyzstan. An alien species in Kyrgyzstan (Sennikov, Lazkov 2024).

Juncus turkestanicus V.I. Krecz. et Gontsch. (Juncaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Chatkal Range: 41°40′34″N, 70°58′40″E, Tuz-Ashuu gorge running in granites, 5.5 km to S from Aygyrdzhal, spring on trail, 2,050 m a.s.l., 24.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1669 (MW0812664).

New to Western Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Fergana floristic region only. Filimonova (1976) had already reported J. turkestanicsus from Chatkal Range earlier. Her distributional record for this species includes mainly plains of Middle Asia and only few reports from some lower mountain ranges. We collected the plant on altitude 2,830 m a.s.l. on S side of Chapchyma Pass (Seregin & Szukala A-1366, MW0812665).

Utricularia australis R. Br. ( U. vulgaris auct.) (Lentibulariaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. IT. Inner Tian Shan: 41°59′00″N, 74°45′52″E, the Tyugel-Say River flood plain (right tributary of the Jumgol River) near Tyugel-Say, ponds, in water, 1,920 m a.s.l., 3.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-1991 (MW0878201).

A new record for Kyrgyzstan. Several flowering plants were recorded in two small artificial ponds build for an unknown purpose. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded U. vulgaris L. from Ysyk-Köl Depression and Fergana floristic regions. Additionally, Li (1987a) reported U. vulgaris from Sarydzhaz in Central Tian Shan floristic region. Meanwhile, all reports of U. vulgaris from Middle Asia should be thoroughly revised. Most of them could be reidentified as U. australis R. Br. or U. macrorhiza Le Conte (Taylor 1989; Li & Cheek 2011). In China, both U. australis and U. macrorhiza were recorded from many provinces, whereas U. vulgaris s. str. is an extremely rare plant known to occur in Tibet only (Li & Cheek 2011).

Our plants had erect upward pedicells and glands distributed evenly on abaxial and adaxial sides of corolla spur, a typical character of U. australis. Bobrov et al. (2022) named this species U. ×neglecta Lehm. However, material from Kyrgyzstan was not included into their dataset, therefore the specimen cited above could not be attributed properly.

Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz (Orchidaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Ala-Too: 42°06′45″N, 72°48′08″E, middle course of the Chichkan River, left bank, 27 km to N from Toktogul, swampy depression in flood plain forest, 1,630 m a.s.l., 21.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1531 (MW0816915).

New to Western Tian Shan floristic region. An extremely rare species in Kyrgyzstan. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded it from Fergana floristic region only although Bondarenko (1971) did not specify the exact distribution of the species in Tian Shan in a belief that it is not a rare plant. Conifer riverine forest in the middle course of the Chichkan River is an interesting locality which harbours some noteworthy mesophytic plants. Short excursion contributed the list of plants known in Western Tian Shan floristic region with E. helleborine, Carex caucasica, and Astragalus lepsensis.

Papaver litwinowii Fedde ex Bornm. (Papaveraceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Alay Mountains: 39°46′05″N, 73°10′09″E, M41 highway (Pamirsky Trakt), Taldyk Pass, man-made stony terrace above the Taldyk River, 3,600 m a.s.l., 27.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1755 (MW0832726).

New to Alay Valley floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Western Tian Shan, Fergana, and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions. It is a widely distributed species in Middle Asia, although not a common one. We discovered the species as a pioneer of a newly constructed area at the altitude 3,600 m a.s.l. Previous highest altitudinal record for this species was 2,700 m a.s.l. (Tolmachev 1975).

Plantago depressa Schlecht. (Plantaginaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. FK. Alay Mountains: 39°49′23″N, 73°15′24″E, M41 highway (Pamirsky Trakt), Ak-Bosogo (N part), stony road margin, 2,730 m a.s.l., 27.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1745 (MW0878265).

New to Fergana floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Inner Tian Shan, and Alay Valley floristic regions. Li (1987b) also indicated the species for the Alay Mountains, but this report was not interpreted as a record from Fergana floristic region. Middle Asian mountains are situated on western edge of the species range which is common in Mongolia, Southern Siberia and continental regions of China.

Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre ( Polygonum lapathifolium L.) (Polygonaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. FK. Fergana Valley: 41°30′36″N, 72°15′18″E, 18 km to N from Tash-Kömür, Tegenek coal mines (Kara-Tut plot), bank of flooded quarry, 1,220 m a.s.l., 25.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1721 (MW0820556).

New to Fergana floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Ysyk-Köl Depression and Western Tian Shan floristic regions. Undoubtedly, the species has wider distribution in Kyrgyzstan, but there is a clear lack of accurate records. Chukavina (1971) did not specify a detailed distribution of the species mainly due to its commonness ("almost throughout Middle Asia").

Polygonum molliiforme Boiss. (Polygonaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Alay Mountains: 39°46′05″N, 73°10′09″E, M41 highway (Pamirsky Trakt), Taldyk Pass, man-made stony terrace above the Taldyk River, 3,600 m a.s.l., 27.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1747, det. O. Yurtseva (MW0896544).

New to Alay Valley floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) reported it from Inner Tian Shan floristic region following the records first published by Lazkov (2003). The latter reference cited collections of 1953–1996 from three localities. The species is common in the neighboring Tajikistan (Chukavina 1968).

Polygonum rottboellioides Jaub. et Spach (Polygonaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. NK. Kyrgyz Ala-Too: 42°34′59″N, 73°52′05″E, the Kara-Balta River gorge, 10 km to S from Sosnovka, stony highway margin, 1,360 m a.s.l., 11.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1216, det. O. Yurtseva (MW0896547); WT. Talas Ala-Too: 42°17′20″N, 72°21′10″E, 27 km to SSE from Talas, Besh-Tash gorge, middle course, right slope, stony slope, 2,170 m a.s.l., 23.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1607, det. O. Yurtseva (MW0896546).

New to Northern Kyrgyzstan and Western Tian Shan floristic regions. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) reported it from Fergana floristic region. Undoubtedly, the species has wider distribution in Kyrgyzstan, but there is a clear lack of accurate records. Our collections are filling the gap in distribution of the species, which was reported earlier from Fergana Valley and Lake Balkhash (Chukavina 1971).

Zannichellia pedunculata Rchb. (Potamogetonaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. IT. Inner Tian Shan: 41°58′08″N, 74°33′34″E, 2 km to SW from Kairma, flood plain of the right tributary of the Jumgol River, road side enlargement of the stream, in water, 1,760 m a.s.l., 3.08.2016, A. Seregin & D. Lyskov A-1986 (MW0801613).

New to Inner Tian Shan floristic region. An extremely rare species in Kyrgyzstan. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded it from Northern Kyrgyzstan floristic region only. Later on, it was published by Volkova & Bobrov (2020) from Ysyk-Köl Depression floristic region. Vvedensky (1968) did not indicate precise distribution of the species due to lack of records ("sporadically throughout Middle Asia").

Androsace dasyphylla Bunge (Primulaceae)

New record: Kyrgyzstan. WT. Talas Ala-Too: 42°12′10″N, 71°34′50″E, Kara-Buura pass, sparsely soded gentle stony slope, 3,300 m a.s.l., 23.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1619 (MW0865463).

New to Western Tian Shan floristic region. Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Ysyk-Köl Depression, Fergana, Inner Tian Shan, and Alay Valley floristic regions. Kovalevskaja (1986) did not specify an exact distribution of the species throughout Tian Shan.

Ranunculus alberti Regel et Schmalh. (Ranunculaceae)

Additional record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Trans-Alay Range: 39°30′29″N, 73°16′40″E, M41 highway (Pamirsky Trakt), Bardoba border post, small right tributary of the Kyzyl-Art River, grassy slope on N slope of the valley, 3,620 m a.s.l., 28.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1811 (MW0831015).

Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from all floristic regions except Alay Valley. We revealed an earlier report from this floristic region upon collections by Sidorov published by Ovczinnikov (1975).

Zygophyllum obliquum Popov (Zygophyllaceae)

Additional record: Kyrgyzstan. A. Alay Valley: 39°37′26″N, 72°39′26″E, 1 km to SW of Kashka-Su, high sandy bench of the Kyzyl-Su River, Achnatherum community, 2,790 m a.s.l., 28.07.2016, A. Seregin A-1833 (MW0851506).

Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014) recorded the species from Ysyk-Köl Depression, Central Tian Shan, and Inner Tian Shan floristic regions. However, Borissova (1949) reported the species from the Kizyl-Su River, and further on Adylov (1983) indicated the species for the whole Alay Valley. We also made our collection on the Kyzyl-Su River.

There are also some other occasional omissions of previously published records in Lazkov & Sultanova (2011, 2014).

Allium fedtschenkoanum Regel (Amaryllidaceae) (A): earlier reports from Alay Valley floristic region upon multiple collections by Stanyukovich, Sidorov and Krivonogova were published by Vvedensky (1963).

Allium hymenorhizum Ledeb. (Amaryllidaceae) (A): an earlier report from Sary-Mogol situated in Alay Valley floristic region upon collections by Ladygina was published by Vvedensky (1963).

Atelanthera perpusilla Hook. f. et Thoms. (Brassicaceae) (A): it was demonstrated by German et al. (2013) that monotypic Atelanthera Hook. f. et Thoms. was not included into floristic accounts on Kyrgyzstan despite the direct record from Alay Valley yet by Korshinsky (1898) based on his own collection made in the valley of Karasu (LE!), and a handful of additional specimens from this floristic region were cited (German et al. 2013). Unfortunately, this information was not counted by Lazkov & Sultanova (2014).

Lomatogonium carinthiacum (Wulfen) Rchb. (Gentianaceae) (A): Pachomova (1986) reported the species from Trans-Alay Range (Alay Valley floristic region).

Androsace lactiflora Pall. (Primulaceae) (YK): Kovalevskaja (1986) reported the species from Küngöy Ala-Too and Teskey (Terskey) Ala-Too, i.e. both sides of Ysyk-Köl Depression floristic region.

Ranunculus songaricus Schrenk (R. trautvetterianus Regel ex Kom.) (Ranunculaceae) (A): two earlier reports from Alay Valley floristic region upon collections by Ladygina from Sary-Mogol and Ovczinnikov from Trans-Alai Range were published by Ovczinnikov (1975, sub nom. R. trautvetterianus).

Seregin, A. P., Lyskov, D. F., & German, D. A. (2025). New regional records of vascular plants from Kyrgyzstan. Acta Biologica Sibirica, 11, 551–579. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15253859