A new endemic species of the genus Haloxylon Bunge ex Fenzl. (Amaranthaceae s.l.) in the flora of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Abstract The article discusses the results of comparative analysis of morphological, anatomical and molecular-genetic structure of species Arthrophytum longibracteatum, Arthrophytum balchaschense, Haloxylon aphyllum). Morphological-anatomical and molecular-genetic methods were used during the study. Transverse sections were viewed using a Levenhuk Zoom&Joy microscope (China), images of transverse sections were taken with a Levenhuk D740T 5.1 camera, using the LevenhukLite programme. To clarify the correctness of species identification, the collected specimens were compared with the Type specimen of Arthrophytum balchaschense stored at the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction (AA). Other herbarium specimens of this species stored in the AA Herbarium (Almaty, Kazakhstan) and herbarium collections: MW (Moscow, Russia), LE (St. Petersburg, Russia), TASH (Tashkent, Uzbekistan) were also reviewed. With the help of QGIS programme, a map of the location points of the studied specimens was made. The conducted studies allowed to form a proof base of clear belonging of Arthrophytum balchaschense to the genus Haloxylon. This circumstance became the reason for the necessity of nomenclatural changes consisting in assignment of Arthrophytum balchaschense to the genus Haloxylon under the name Haloxylon balchaschense (Iljin) Osmonali, Veselova & Kudab. This species has a central-eastern-North Turanian distribution, being endemic to the flora of Kazakhstan.