Flora Of Mongolia Research Articles

Astragalus arbuscula (Fabaceae): A new record for Mongolian flora

Taxonomic identification of the genus Astragalus L. is challenging given that there are more than 3,000 taxa worldwide. In the present study, shrubby Astragalus arbuscula Pall., belonging to section Dissitiflori, is new record in the Mongolian flora based on morphological observations. The general morphology of this species is similar to that of A. gontscharovii Vassilcz., but it can be differentiated by its bracts 1–2 mm, black ciliate, calyx covered with strongly asymmetrically bifurcate and standard without a tongue-like narrowed tip. The general distribution, wild photo illustration, taxonomic notes, species examined, and habitats are provided

Comparative plastome analysis and taxonomic classification of snow lotus species (Saussurea, Asteraceae) in Central Asia and Southern Siberia

Four species of Saussurea, namely S. involucrata, S. orgaadayi, S. bogedaensis, and S. dorogostaiskii, are known as the “snow lotus,” which are used as traditional medicines in China (Xinjiang), Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Russia (Southern Siberia). These species are threatened globally, because of illegal harvesting and climate change. Furthermore, the taxonomic classification and identification of these threatened species remain unclear owing to limited research. The misidentification of medicinal species can sometimes be harmful to health. Therefore, the phylogenetic and genomic features of these species need to be confirmed. In this study, we sequenced five complete chloroplast genomes and seven nuclear ITS regions of four snow lotus species and other Saussurea species. We further explored their genetic variety, selective pressure at the sequence level, and phylogenetic relationships using the chloroplast genome, nuclear partial DNA sequences, and morphological features. Plastome of the snow lotus species has a conserved structure and gene content similar to most Saussurea species. Two intergenic regions (ndhJ–ndhK and ndhD-psaC) show significantly high diversity among chloroplast regions. Thus, ITS and these markers are suitable for identifying snow lotus species. In addition, we characterized 43 simple sequence repeats that may be useful in future population genetic studies. Analysis of the selection signatures identified three genes (rpoA, ndhB, and ycf2) that underwent positive selection. These genes may play important roles in the adaptation of the snow lotus species to alpine environments. S. dorogostaiskii is close to S. baicalensis and exhibits slightly different adaptation from others. The taxonomic position of the snow lotus species, confirmed by morphological and molecular evidence, is as follows: (i) S. involucrata has been excluded from the Mongolian flora due to misidentification as S. orgaadayi or S. bogedaensis for a long time; (ii) S. dorogostaiskii belongs to section Pycnocephala subgenus Saussurea, whereas other the snow lotus species belong to section Amphilaena subgenus Amphilaena; and (iii) S. krasnoborovii is synonymous of S. dorogostaiskii. This study clarified the speciation and lineage diversification of the snow lotus species in Central Asia and Southern Siberia.

Two new alien records of Hordeum jubatum (Poaceae) and Tripleurospermum inodorum (Asteraceae) in Mongolia

Hordeum jubatum L. and Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. are currently recorded as non-native in the flora of Mongolia. Hordeum jubatum can easily be distinguished from other Mongolian Hordeum species by its glumes that are much (usually more than 10×) longer than the floret. Tripleurospermum inodorum differs from T. limosum (Maxim.) Pobed. by its annual or biennial plants without rhizomes, branched stems, and capitulae. The present study provides descriptions, a distribution map, taxonomic keys, taxonomic notes, and photographic illustrations of the two species based on newly collected samples.

Taxonomy and Distribution of the Genus Sellaphora Mereschowsky (Bacillariophyceae: Sellaphoraceae) in Aquatic Ecosystems of Mongolia.

During our investigation, 28 species belonging to the genus Sellaphora Mereschowsky were found in different types of water bodies and streams in Mongolia. Of these, 14 species have already been described and/or shown earlier in the flora of Mongolia, and we found 14 species for the first time. One new taxonomic combination has been proposed: Sellaphora glomus (J.R. Carter and A.E. Bailey-Watts) Glushchenko and Kulikovskiy comb. nov. One species is proposed for description as new to science: Sellaphora dorofeyukae Glushchenko and Kulikovskiy sp. nov. All species were illustrated with original light micrographs, and a number of species were also illustrated with scanning electronic photographs. The distribution of the identified species within Mongolia and the world is discussed.

New findings in the flora of Mongolia. Part 2

New data on the distribution of 40 species from the families Asteraceae, Cystopteridaceae, Dryopteridaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Poaceae, Rosaceae, and Woodsiaceae in Mongolia are presented in the article. For the first time, Centaurea cyanus, Cystopteris almaatensis, Potentilla × habievii, Potentilla salsa, and Potentilla smirnovii are indicated for the flora of the country. 19 species previously known in the flora of Mongolia are new for its separate botanical and geographical regions. Of these, 7 taxa were found for the first time in the Khuvsgul, 5 – in the Khovd, 4 – in the Gobi Altai and 3 – in the Mongolian Altai regions, 2 each – in the Khangai, Khentei, and Dzungarian Gobi, 1 – in the Middle Khalkha. New locations were registered for 19 rare and endemic species of the study region. There are narrow local national endemics: Potentilla coriacea, P. inopinata, P. laevipes, and P. schmakovii, among them. The findings are divided into three groups in the article. Comments about the range, relationships and main morphological differences are given for each species. Photographic materials of Potentilla salsa made in nature on the territory of Mongolia are demonstrated for the first time.

Orchids of Mongolia: Taxonomy, Species Richness and Conservation Status

Orchidaceae is a diverse, globally important plant family with high conservation assessment and prioritization requirements. The checklist of Orchidaceae in Mongolia was updated based on herbarium materials, literature, and field observations. Mongolian orchids were revised as comprising 26 taxa belonging to 14 genera with major updates were conducted on Herminium and Epipactis. In particular, H. alaschanicum, previously noted in the Alashan Gobi region, was added to the flora of Mongolia based on literature and type specimens. Epipactis helleborine and E. palustris were excluded from the Mongolian flora owing to the absence of herbarium specimens and wild collection from Mongolia. Assessment of all orchid species at the national level resulted in 1, 4, 7, 11, and 2 species as critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN), vulnerable (VU), near threatened (NT), and data deficient (DD), respectively, according to IUCN criteria. Species richness and conservation gap analyses of 970 georeferenced orchid records based on 0.5° × 0.5° grid cells across 16 phytogeographical regions of Mongolia, showed that four phytogeographical regions, Khangai, Khuvgul, Khentii and Mongolian Dauria, have a high number of orchids. Regrettably, most orchid-rich locations in Mongolia are not fully within protected areas, highlighting the need for protection management updates. Based on herbarium collections, we prepared grid distribution maps of the 26 taxa using 40 × 40 km2 grids. Photographs of 18 taxa taken during fieldwork were included, providing valuable information on species morphology and typical habitat.

Taxonomic revision of the family Geraniaceae in the flora of Mongolia

The species composition of the Geraniaceae family in the flora of Mongolia is revised as a result of a critical study of collections of the Herbarium of V. L. Komarov Botanical Institute RAS (LE), the D. P. Syreischikov Herbarium of Biological Faculty of Moscow State University (MW), the N. V. Tzitzin of the Main Botanical Garden (MHA), of the M. G. Popov Herbarium of Central Siberian Botanical Garden (NSK), of the I. M. Krasnoborov Herbarium of Central Siberian Botanical Garden (NS), Herbarium of the Tomsk State University (TK), Herbarium of the South Siberian Botanical Garden (ALTB), Herbarium of the Institute of General and Experimental Biology of the Academy of Sciences of Mongolia (UBA), of the Martin-Luther University Herbarium (HAL), and own gatherings. The species Geranium pamiricum Ikonn. is identified for the first time in the flora of Mongolia. The areas of some species are clarified; maps of distribution over the territory of Mongolia are given.

New data on distribution of Cruciferae (Brassicaceae) in Mongolia

At the end of the 20th century the flora of Mongolia was considered very well examined. At that time V. I. Grubov (1982) had summarized its study. However, later it became clear that the flora can be thoroughly supplemented (Gubanov, 1996). In the 21st century, it became apparent that many areas of Mongolia require new, more thorough research, not only for clarifying their species diversity, but also for more specifically defining the boundaries of botanic-geographical districts. The first major attempts to combine all floristic publications were the “Conspectus of the vascular plants of Mongolia” (2014) and the first volumes of “Flora of Mongolia” (2015) prepared by the Mongolian botanists. But even these works show that Mongolia remains an endless region for the search and study of botanical novelties. One of the results of such critical search and studies of herbarium collections and field studies in 2019 is presented in this publication, which expands our knowledge on the distribution of 14 cruciferous species (Alyssum desertorum, Cardamine hirsuta, C. macrophylla, C. dentata, Chorispora tenella, Erysimum sisymbrioides, Meniocus linifolius, Neslia paniculata, Sinapis arvensis, Sisymbrium volgense, S. brassiciforme, S. loeselii, Thellungiella mollissima, Turritis borealis) and taxonomic position of Alyssum desertorum and Thellungiella mollissima.

Astragalus habaheensis (секция Erioceras, Fabaceae) в Монголии и Китае

A new species to the flora of Mongolia, Astragalus habaheensis Y. X. Liou (A. arcuatus Kar. et Kir. s. l., Fabaceae), was revealed among herbarium material (LE!). It is assumed that all reports of A. arcuatus Kar. et Kir. and A. subarcuatus Popov for Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China also belong to A. habaheensis. The difference between A. habaheensis and closely related species is illustrated by the original illustration and the identification key.

New Mongolian records of two genera, seven species, and two hybrid nothospecies from Khar-Us Lake and its associated wetlands

During a floristic survey of Khar-Us Lake and its associated wetlands in Khovd Province, we found seven species and two hybrid nothospecies that have not previously been recorded in Mongolia. These taxa were found in seven localities and included Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, Najas flexilis (Willd.) Rostk. & W.L.E. Schmidt, N. minor All., and N. tenuissima (A.Braun ex Magnus) Magnus (Hydrocaritaceae); Potamogeton ×angustifolius J. Presl (Potamogetonaceae); Ceratophyllum platyacanthum Cham. subsp. oryzetorum (Kom.) Les (Ceratophyllaceae); Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. (Droseraceae); Veronica anagalloides Guss. (Plantaginaceae); and Utricularia ×japonica Makino (Lentibulariaceae). Two of these genera, Hydrilla Rich. and Aldrovanda L., were also newly recorded from Mongolia. The addition of these taxa to the present Mongolian flora list brings the numbers of registered taxa and genera to 3,200 and 686, respectively. The morphological characteristics, diagnostic features, and distribution of these taxa in Mongolia are described in this report.

NEW DATA ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF AMARANTHUS RETROFLEXUS AND BRASSICA JUNCEA IN MONGOLIA

A study of the Mongolian flora and a survey of the herbarium collections of the Institute of General and Experimental Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, conducted in 2019, provided new information on the geographical distribution of Amaranthus retroflexus (Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae s.l.) and Brassica juncea (Cruciferae, Brassicaceae) in Mongolia.

BIOPHILE ELEMENTS AND HEAVY METALS IN ARTEMISIA FRIGIDA WILLD. AND ARTEMISIA JACUTICA DROB.

Biophile microelements (copper, zinc, manganese, iron, nickel) and heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in the aerial part of Artemisia frigida Willd. and Artemisia jacutica Drob. of Russian (areas of the Republic of Buryatia) and Mongolian flora was presented in this paper. The quantitative content of the elements in the samples collected in 2008, 2015–2018 was studied using atomic absorption method performed on a SOLAAR M6 after preliminary decomposition by dry mineralization, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission method (ICP) on a Profile Plus spectrometer after decomposition of samples in the MARS 6 microwave system. The content of the same elements in the aerial part of the same species of Artemisia varied in a wide range, which was consistent with the literature data. In addition, the Principle component analysis of the elemental composition of A. frigida and A. jacutica was presented in this paper. The biplot showed the impact of forest fires that took place on the territory of Buryatia in 2015. So this year was characterized by a high concentration of lead, cadmium, nickel, copper and iron in studied samples. Also, the biplot showed the elements content versus plant species. In general, the content of toxic (lead, cadmium, nickel) and vital elements (copper, zinc, iron, manganese) was within the normal concentration. Therefore, the aerial part of A. frigida and A. jacutica of Buryatian (Russia) and aimaks (Mongolia) flora can be considered as promising plant raw materials for using in medical practice.

Additions to the vascular flora of Mongolia - IV

The article presents updates on the new species recorded in the “Conspectus of the Vascular Plants of Mongolia” (Urgamal et al. 2014), and three articles published “Additions to the Vascular Flora of Mongolia – I, II, III (2013, 2014, 2016)” listed as new for the Mongolian floristic novelties and reported as well. The aim of this article is to officially report new records for vascular plants from Mongolia, and this includes the data in total, 28 species (with 2 infraspecies) from 19 genera and 12 families. In addition, Cerastium alpinum, Dianthus repens, Draba alpina, Eritrichium tianschanicum, Gastrolychnis violascens, Iris oxypetala, Papaver chakassicum, Papaver lapponicum, Potentilla turczaninowiana, Stellaria depressa (10 species) were newly recorded in the list of vascular flora of Mongolia. The newly added species come under the following families and genera: Caryophyllaceae (5 species), Ranunculaceae (4 species), and Rosaceae (4 species) families and Potentilla (4 species), Geranium (3 species), and Iris (3 species) genera. The most recent additions to the following phyto-geographical regions of Mongolia are: Mongolian Altai (9 species), Khovd (7 species), and Khangai (6 species) regions. At present, 3191 taxa (including 134 subspecies and 34 varieties) of vascular plants, representing over 684 genera from 108 families, 39 orders, 12 classes, includes 5 divisions, and 3 superclades (Ferns, Gymnospermae and Angiospermae) are registered in Mongolia. Since the last conspectus (Urgamal et al. 2014) was published, 1genera, 64 species and subspecies have been newly added to the flora of Mongolia. The newly recorded 5 species are “endemic“and 9 species are “sub-endemic” to Mongolia. Therefore, currently a total of 125 species (3.91%) are “endemic”, and 532 species (16.65%) are “sub-endemic” to the vascular flora of Mongolia, respectively.

Antifungal activity of Mongolian medicinal plant extracts

The in vitro antifungal activity of extracts obtained from 14 medicinal plants of the mongolian flora were investigated by measuring their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against fungi cause of cutaneous diseases such as Candida species, dermatophytes and Malassezia furfur. Among the species examined, Stellaria dichotoma L., Scutellaria scordifolia L. Aquilegia sibirica Fisch. Et Schrenk. and Hyoscyamus niger L. extracts demonstrated antifungal activity against all studied fungi. In particular, S. scordifolia L. methanol extract, obtained at room temperature, showed the best activity against Candida spp., Malassezia furfur and dermatophytes with GMMIC50 values of 22 µg/mL, 64 µg/mL and 32 µg/mL, respectively. The flavones, luteolin and apigenin, identified in S. scordifolia extracts, and rutin identified in S. dichotoma and Hyoscyamus niger L. extracts, could be responsible of the observed antifungal activity.

To the 50th Anniversary of the Joint Russian-Mongolian Paleontological Expedition

The 50th anniversary of the Joint Russian-Mongolian Paleontological Expedition will be celebrated in 2019. Participants of the expedition made a fundamental contribution to the knowledge on fossil organisms and biostratigraphy of the upper Proterozoic and Phanerozoic of Mongolia. The main achievements of the expedition are described and the most important results and scientists who have made significant contributions to the study of fossil fauna and flora of Mongolia are presented. The organization of international research in the form of a permanent bilateral expedition has demonstrated high efficiency evident from the high publication activity, a fruitful exchange of scientific experience, and the successful training of new qualified research personnel.

Самообеспечение кочевников-скотоводов Монголии в условиях современности: пищевые и лекарственные ресурсы окружающей среды

In Mongolia, the problems of medical care for nomadic livestock breeders, veterinary services for livestock have always been relevant enough. Medical service of cattle breeders was one of the weak links in the health care system of Mongolia in the 1980s. At the same time, this period is characterized by the highest indicators in the field of medical services in the country. In subsequent years, the deepening economic crisis led to a deterioration in the level of medical care, especially in rural areas. At present, this situation has only become more complicated, contributing to the growing migration of villagers to cities. The author’s field research also allows talking about the reduction of medical posts, shortage of medical personnel in rural areas, equipment and medicines as such. Against this background, the urgency of knowledge of nomads about the herbal medicinal and poisonous properties of plants is growing. The field materials collected by the author in different regions of Mongolia between 2006 and 2013 show that knowledge of plant properties was an important component of the experience of the nomadic way of life, which is still in demand today. The range of application of plants in the life of the villagers is quite wide. The experience of ancestors helps to treat a number of common diseases among the rural population ― catarrhal diseases, diseases of the digestive and endocrine systems, skin, etc. Medicinal plants are also used for the treatment of livestock. Poisonous plants are used to combat predators. Many useful plants of the Mongolian flora complement the diet of nomads. Preservation of such knowledge is necessary for the continuation of phytochemical, pharmacological studies of the Mongolian flora and clinical trials of medicinal plants. The current rise of Mongolian medicine industry and pharmaceuticals in neighboring China determines the prospects for exploring the Mongolian flora. The service industry of Mongolian medicine and pharmaceuticals has become one of the most important projects (‘Belts and Ways’). It is well possible that this direction of medicine will enter the list of the World Intangible Cultural Heritage in the near future.

Новые данные о составе и распространении рода Geranium L. (Geraniaceae) во флоре Монголии и Китая

The species composition of the genus Geranium (Geraniaceae) in the flora of Mongolia and China has been revised as a result of a critical study of collections of the Herbarium of V. L. Komarov Botanical Institute RAS (LE), the D. P. Syreischikov Herbarium of Biological Faculty of Moscow State University (MW), the I. M. Krasnoborov Herbarium of Central Siberian Botanical Garden (NS), Herbarium of the South Siberian Botanical Garden (ALTB), Herbarium of the Institute of General and Experimental Biology of the Academy of Sciences of Mongolia (UBA) in 2010–2017. Two taxa: G. amurense Tzyren. and G. transbaicalicum Serg. subsp. turczaninovii (Serg.) Peschkova have been identified for the first time in the flora of Mongolia. Three species (G. krylovii Tzvelev, G. laetum Ledeb., G. transbaicalicum Serg.) are newly reported for certain phytogeographic regions of Mongolia. New localities of G. affine Ledeb., G. krylovii, G. laetum and G. transbaicalicum in China have been discovered. Thus, the knowledge on the current diversity and distribution of the genus Geranium in Mongolia and China has been updated.

ADDITIONS TO THE VASCULAR FLORA OF MONGOLIA - III

The paper presents the updates on the new species; new regional and new location records since the treatment for “Conspectus of the vascular plants of Mongolia” (Urgamal et al. 2014) listed as new for the Mongolian floristic novelties and reported as well. This article includes the data on new species records for 33 species (2 subspecies and 1 varietes) included 20 genera and 14 families to the vascular flora of Mongolia. One genus (Matthiola) has been added as new to the flora of Mongolia. An annotated checklist of vascular plant species and phytogeography for Mongolia is given. The most made additions of the number of species of following families and genera: Ranunculaceae (12 species), Rosaceae (6 species), Brassicaceae (3 species) families and Potentilla (6 species), Ranunculus (4 species), and Aquilegia (3 species). The most made additions to the following phyto-geographical regions of Mongolia are: Mongolian Altai (11 species), Khentei (10 species) and Khangai (4 species) regions. The includes to new records for 10 species are as “sub-endemic“and one species as “very rare” to the vascular flora of Mongolia.

Ямаан арц (Juniperus sibirica Burgsd.)-ны мутагений үйлчлэлийг дарангуйлах идэвхийн судалгаа

This study evaluated the antimutagenic and cytotoxic effects of some plants growing in Mongolia and plants were selected on the basis of their traditional use in various diseases. Over the past years numbers of cancer incidences are increasing in Mongolia. There are accounted several reasons, in particular the use of less guaranteed imported food, heavy air pollution, environmental contamination and low life quality of the population. Therefore, we attempted to search antimutagenic activity among plants from the Mongolian flora and possibility of their use for preventing and treating cancer cases. The study might promote the way to fight with cancer, if we can find antimutagenic active compounds from natural crude drugs, including medicinal plants.We have examined the antimutagenic and cytotoxic effects of 20 samples, which prepared from different parts of 10 plants species. The antimutagenic and cytotoxic tests were performed as described by Ames. The bacteria used in the test are a strain of Salmonella typhimurium TA1537, and using 9-aminoacridine as direct mutagen.From the 20 plant extracts studied, extracts of Achnatherum splendens Trin. (aerial parts), Cynoglossum divaricatum Steph. (roots, stems), Juniperus sibirica Burgsd. (leaf, stem) strongly inhibited mutagenicity of 9-aminoacridine and their inhibition activity was 49.7%, 41.5%, 61.5%, 40% and 43% respectively. All plant extracts have not any cytotoxic effect on Salmonella typhimurium TA1537.From the high active plants Juniperus sibirica Burgsd. (aerial parts) which was selected for further detailed study 3 pure active compounds as JS-1, JS-2 and JS-3 were isolated. The compound JS-3 showed the high (55%) antimutagenic activity and its molecular structure was determined as cetyl alcohol or hexadecanol-1 according to its physical and chemical characteristics as well as 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy analysis.We have revealed that the availability of plants possessing antimutagenic activity among the Mongolian flora. Consequently, it is needed further detailed study of active plants, isolation and identification of active pure compounds, as well as possible application of the active plant products in the medicinal practice.

THE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM OF THE FAMILY APIACEAE IN THE FLORA OF MONGOLIA

At present time is family Apiaceae consists of 74 species and 37 genera, 5 sub-tribes belong to 12 tribes (4 clades) and 2 sub-families (Saniculoideae and Apioideae) disjunctly distributed in the Mongolian flora. We updated classification system of the family Apiaceae in the flora of Mongolia.