Insights into ex situ conservation and MaxEnt-based habitat suitability modeling of Prunus ulmifolia Franch. (Rosaceae Juss.): A Central Asian relict species
Kirillov V. Massalova V. Pathak A. Ivashchenko A. Kabanova S. Rakhimzhanov A. Stikhareva T.
June 2025Elsevier B.V.
Trees, Forests and People
2025#20
Introduction of rare and endangered plant species is essential for conservation, with Botanical gardens and Arboreta playing a crucial role in ex situ preservation. Prunus ulmifolia Franch. is a valuable ornamental plant with medicinal properties, also recommended for forest reclamation, erosion control, and as a promising candidate for breeding programs and rootstock for stone fruit crops. However, its natural range is limited to the forest and subalpine zones of the Dzhungarian Alatau, the Tien Shan, and the Pamir-Alai. The study aimed to analyze existing literature on distribution of P. ulmifolia and evaluate its adaptation at newly established sites in Northern Kazakhstan. The research drew on data from literature sources, Botanical gardens, Arboreta, experimental stations, and authors field research conducted from 2020 to 2024 in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, and their growth and phenological phases were also assessed. P. ulmifolia has been introduced in over 35 cities across 12 countries, from Eastern Europe to Central Asia, showing adaptability to diverse climates, from moderately to sharply continental. The correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant, moderate positive relationship between age and height, providing valuable benchmarks for assessing plant health and development. Additionally, MaxEnt-based species distribution indicated high sensitivity to temperature, especially during the cold season, suggesting a likely northward shift due to global warming; while the core range in Central Asia remains stable across all scenarios. The successful adaptation of P. ulmifolia in Northern Kazakhstan, particularly in Astana, demonstrates its strong potential for use in both urban and rural landscaping, especially in southern regions.
Adaptation , Aflatunia ulmifolia , Amygdalus ulmifolia , Cultivation , Geographical distribution , Louiseania ulmifolia , MaxEnt , Phenological traits
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Laboratory of Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Conservation, A.N. Bukeikhan Kazakh Research Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry, Shchuchinsk, 021704, Kazakhstan
Laboratory of Dendrology, Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 302004, India
Institute of Zoology, Almaty, 050060, Kazakhstan
Laboratory of Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Conservation
Laboratory of Dendrology
Department of Botany
Institute of Zoology
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