Floristic and Anatomical Diversity of Crataegus ambigua C.A.Mey. ex A.K.Becker Populations in Different Areas of the Arid Mangystau Region (Kazakhstan)

Imanbayeva A. Ishmuratova M. Duisenova N. Sagyndykova M. Orazov A. Tuyakova A.
April 2025 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Forests
2025 #16 Issue 4

This study investigates the anatomical adaptations and ecological plasticity of C. ambiguus in extreme environmental conditions by analyzing the structural characteristics of its leaves and annual shoots collected from 12 populations in the arid regions of Mangystau, including Western Karatau, Northern Aktau, and the Tyubkaragan Peninsula. Microscopic and statistical analyses revealed significant variability in key anatomical traits, including epidermal thickness, collenchyma, primary cortex, and vascular bundle area, highlighting the species’ adaptive responses to drought, high solar radiation, and limited water availability. The epidermal thickness ranged from 14.85 µm (Pop_12 Botakan) to 22.51 µm (Pop_6 Samal), demonstrating xeromorphic adaptations for reducing transpiration. At the same time, the vascular bundle area varied from 286.06 × 10⁻³ mm² (Pop_3 Emdikorgan) to 528.51 × 10⁻³ mm² (Samal), indicating differences in water transport efficiency across populations. Despite substantial anatomical variation, the low coefficients of variation (0.31%–6.31%) suggested structural stability, reinforcing C. ambigua’s ability to maintain functional integrity under environmental stress. Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) confirmed that environmental factors such as soil type, elevation, and water availability significantly influenced anatomical traits. Floristic analysis revealed distinct patterns of species richness, with the highest diversity recorded in Pop_4 and Pop_7, while Pop_12 and Pop_9 exhibited lower diversity, indicating potential vulnerability. Furthermore, the identified anatomical traits could serve as key markers for selecting drought-resistant genotypes in afforestation and restoration programs. This study also highlighted the need for the long-term monitoring of C. ambigua populations to assess the impact of climate change on structural adaptations. These findings offer a framework for integrating ecological and genetic studies to refine conservation strategies for xerophytic species.

anatomical structure , arid adaptation , conservation strategies , Crataegus ambigua , ecological plasticity , environmental stress , Mangystau Region , mesophytic traits

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Laboratory of Natural Flora and Dendrology, Mangyshlak Experimental Botanical Garden, Aktau, 130000, Kazakhstan
Department of Botany, Faculty of Biology and Geography, Karaganda Buketov University, 100024, Karaganda, Kazakhstan

Laboratory of Natural Flora and Dendrology
Department of Botany

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