Александр Иванович Шмаков

In this article, the authors describe a new taxon in the genus Cystopteris. Specimens, which share a distinct set of traits, were collected at different times in highlands of the Southeastern Altai (Kosh-Agach district, Republic of Altai). A phylogenetic tree constructed using two chloroplast DNA fragments (matK, trnG-R) confirms the identity of the new species. Molecular genetic analysis was performed using our own data and data from the NCBI GenBank. A comparative analysis of the morphological characteristics of fronds and spores of the new taxon and other species of Cystopteris (C. almaatensis, C. altajensis, C. dickieana, C. fragilis, C. gureevae) is provided.

Through field research, analysis of previously published works, and review of materials stored in the NS collection funds, information on the distribution of rare alien and native plant species in the Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Republics of Tyva and Khakassia was refined. Caragana microphylla, Hieracium chamardabanense, and Leymus pubescens were recorded for the first time in the flora of the Republic of Tyva, while Campanula punctata, C. rapunculoides, Parthenocyssus inserta, Psephellus dealbatus, and Rubus allegheniensis were recorded in the flora of the Republic of Khakassia. New locations were identified and range boundaries were clarified for six alien species rare in Southern Siberia: Calystegia inflata, Campanula punctata, C. rapunculoides, Parthenocyssus vitacea, Psephellus dealbatus, and Rubus allegheniensis. Polygonum rurivagum was recorded for the first time in the Western Sayan mountain range, in the Yenisei Valley, at four locations, and Allium malyschevii was found in the Sengelen Highlands in the Tarys River valley. A population of Fritillaria dagana, listed in the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tyva, was discovered in the Azas Nature Reserve, distinguished by a high abundance of both vegetative and generative shoots. Potentilla inclinata was recorded for the first time in “Shushensky Bor” National Park.

Plant flow cytometry is a widely used method for analyzing and quantifying various cellular and nuclear characteristics, finding application in various fields of botany, plant physiology and biochemistry, evolutionary theory, genetics, and breeding. Flow cytometry is becoming an important tool for the certification and verification of biological collections, providing an objective criterion (genome size/ploidy) to confirm the taxonomic affiliation and genetic stability of collection specimens. Including cytometric data in collection metadata enhances their scientific value and facilitates interlaboratory reproducibility of results. While instrumentation advances have minimized the impact of hardware on results, the challenge of obtaining accurate and reproducible genome size data in plants remains pressing. In addition to the unique organization of plant genomes, which determines intraspecific variability, the sources of inaccuracies remain inherent in the flow cytometry method itself. This article covers key aspects of flow cytometry that influence the final result and affect all stages of sample preparation. Emphasis is placed on the quality of the source material, the issue of standardization, and key considerations when comparing previously obtained results. Illustrations are included to provide clarity and prevent common errors.

A new species Euphorbia geltmanii sp. nov. is described from the Kazakh Altai. It is morphologically most similar to E. alpina but differs in having solitary shoots, a spherically thickened main root, and pubescence more reminiscent of E. pilosa. It differs from E. pilosa by paired bracts and the shape of the middle stem leaves. A detailed taxonomic description, data on geographical distribution and ecology are provided. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS fragment of nuclear rDNA for selected members of sections Helioscopia and Holophyllum also confirmed the distinctness of the new species.

The genus Ribes L.(Grossulariaceae) comprises numerous species of ecological, nutritional, and medicinal importance that are widely distributed across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Central Kazakhstan represents a biogeographically complex area characterized by diverse landscapes and heterogeneous environmental conditions; however, information on wild-growing Ribes species in this region remains fragmented and insufficiently systematized. This review aims to synthesize and critically evaluate the available literature on the bioecological characteristics, phytochemical composition, and research prospects of wild Ribes species occurring in Central Kazakhstan, with particular focus on Ribes aciculare Pall., Ribes nigrum L., and representatives of the Ribes saxatile species complex. The review is based on an analysis of regional floristic sources, ecological studies, and phytochemical investigations published in international and regional scientific journals. Data on species distribution, habitat preferences, phenology, and ecological adaptations are summarized, together with information on major groups of bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, organic acids, and vitamins. Most phytochemical studies of the genus Ribes have focused on Ribes nigrum, which remains the best-studied species. In contrast, information on other wild Ribes taxa remains limited and scattered across different publications, making comprehensive evaluation difficult. Taxonomic uncertainties within the Ribes saxatile species complex further complicate regional research and highlight the importance of accurate species identification. The existing literature also reveals several important gaps, particularly regarding region-specific phytochemical characteristics, ecological variation among natural populations, and the influence of environmental factors on secondary metabolite accumulation. Further research integrating bioecological and phytochemical approaches is necessary to better understand wild Ribes diversity and support the sustainable use of these species in Central Kazakhstan.

Additions are provided on the distribution of rare species of Potentilla in the territory of the Altai Mountain Country (AMC). Potentilla hubsugulica is reported for the first time from the flora of Kazakhstan; P. crantzii, P. penniphylla, and P. rigidula are new records for China. New to Russia are P. rhipidophylla and P. tytthantha, and new to Western Siberia are P. hubsugulica, P. × olchonensis and P. stepposa. These five species, as well as P. chalchorum and P. tuvinica, complemented the flora of the Republic of Altai. Among the plants mentioned, P. tytthantha is endemic to the AMC. All studied collections are cited, with comments provided on the relationships, ranges, and primary morphological differences of the discussed taxa. For the AMC subendemic P. rigidula, we present a scanned herbarium specimen image and photos of wild plants from the new locality. In addition, its general distribution has been mapped based on all known, reliably identified collections and observations.

The article presents a new data on the distribution of 7 species found in Eastern Kazakhstan. The plants were collected in the Abai and East Kazakhstan regions. Six species – Eriophorum × medium, Fritillaria katunica, Juncus biglumis, Pedicularis brachystachys, Sparganium gramineum and Veronica × altaica – were new to the flora of Kazakhstan. Phlomoides gymnocalyx was recorded for the first time in the Altai Mountain Country and the Abai Region. The labels of the studied specimens are fully cited, and comments are provided for all discussed species. Specimens of the presented taxa are stored in the herbarium collection of the KKGNPP, and duplicate materials have been deposited in the Herbarium of Altai State University (ALTB, Barnaul, Russia).

The study is devoted to clarifying the geographical distribution of Hesperis ciscaucasica and Hesperis pycnotricha within the Russian Federation. The results of this work are based on the analysis of the geographical characteristics of the species presented and on a review of herbarium materials from Eastern Europe and the Russian Far East from the LE collections.

Iris ruthenica is a widespread Siberian species occurring in both boreal forest and steppe habitats, yet its genetic structure has remained poorly understood. During a survey of I. ruthenica in the Altai Mountain Country, we detected a cryptic lineage that is morphologically indistinguishable from I. ruthenica s. str. but differs in chromosome number. All Russian populations examined to date have 2n = 84, whereas the cryptic lineage has 2n = 42, and flow cytometry shows a corresponding difference in genome size (1C = 4.025 ± 0.110 pg vs. 1C = 2.135 ± 0.020 pg). Comparative analyses of chloroplast markers spanning the atpB–accD and rpl2–matK intervals (including atpB, accD, psbA, rbcL, rpl2, rps19, matK, and ycf1) revealed a p-distance of ~ 0.5 % between the two lineages, a level of divergence that falls within the range observed between recognized Iris species. Polymorphisms in nuclear rDNA (18S–ITS1–5.8S–ITS2–28S) further support their genetic distinctness. Several plastid haplotypes were detected within I. ruthenica, but none differentiated its varieties (var. nana, var. brevituba) or its close relative I. uniflora. Although no consistent morphological differences were detected, we found compelling molecular evidence supporting the recognition of this lineage as a distinct species, which is formally described here as I. cryptoruthenica. Based on current data, its known range includes the Altai Mountain Country and northern China (Xinjiang).

This paper provides additions to the article Zaikov V. F. et al. (2025). System of the genus Pulsatilla Mill. (Ranunculaceae). Turczaninowia 28, 3: 208–222.