Keywords
endemic species
Lonicera paradoxa
Pamir-Altay
plant conservation
taxonomic revision
How to Cite
Abstract
The taxonomic revision of Lonicera L. (Caprifoliaceae) in Uzbekistan was conducted based on field studies, a comprehensive analysis of herbarium material, and a critical review of the published literature. A total of 1223 herbarium specimens from national and international collections, including 915 specimens from Uzbekistan, were examined, resulting in the recognition of 10 Lonicera species for the country’s flora. For each species, an identification key, updated nomenclature, and information on distribution, ecology, phenology, and conservation status are provided. The highest species diversity occurs in the Pamir–Alay mountain system, where all recorded species are present, including one endemic species restricted to this region. According to botanical–geographical zoning, Lonicera species diversity is higher in the Mountainous Middle Asia province than in the Turan province, with representatives distributed across 21 botanical–geographical districts. Particular attention is given to Lonicera paradoxa Pojark., a relic endemic species with a narrow distribution, assessed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List. This study contributes to the taxonomic reassessment of the Caprifoliaceae in Uzbekistan and provides an updated and reliable taxonomic framework for the genus Lonicera in Central Asia.
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