Wolly-fruited Kosopoljanskia
Status: EN. Endemic. One of the two species that are sub-endemic to Kyrgyzstan. A rare species found in small numbers and on limited territory, it is at risk of extinction due to anthropogenic factors.
Description. A perennial, polycarpic plant. The caudex is densely covered with remnants of leaf petioles. Stems number 1-4, rounded, branched from the base, with lateral branches exceeding the central umbel. Leaves are predominantly basal, gathered in a rosette, on short petioles. The leaf blade is 7-10 cm long, linear or linear-lanceolate in shape; twice pinnately dissected. The terminal segments are almost divided to the base into 2-3 lanceolate lobes. Umbels up to 15 cm in diameter, with 4-8 unequal rays, 3.5-8.0 cm long. Bracts are absent. The umbels are 7-10-flowered, with unequal pedicels up to 6-10 mm long. The bracts number 5-6, are awl-shaped, herbaceous. Fruits up to 5 mm long, broadly oval, without ribs, covered with curved, membranous, sometimes club-shaped and branched hairs.
Biological features. Unknown.
Distribution general and in the country. Alai Ridge.
Habitat. Stony and rocky slopes, screes among shrub thickets. Abundance. Not established. The species is known only from two collections.
Limiting factors. Not established.
Cultivation. Not conducted.
Existing conservation measures. No protection is being carried out.
Recommended conservation measures. Conduct research to study the range and population numbers. Create a botanical reserve in the low mountains of the Alai Ridge to protect the complex of rare species.
Wolly-fruited Kosopoljanskia
Kosopoljanskia hebecarpa M. Pimen. et R. Kam
Status: EN. This perennial plant is one of two representatives of the genus, which is sub-endemic to Kyrgyzstan. It is an endangered species because it is known only from two samples from the Alai Mountains and is at real risk of extinction due to anthropogenic factors. Plants were collected on stony and metal slopes with scree, between bushes. Data about biology, abundance, and limiting factors are absent. This species is unknown in cultivation and is currently out of any protection. Conservation measures are necessary: search for populations, study the specific territory of occupancy and number, and create botanical wildlife areas in sites where this species survives in its natural habitat alongside other rare species.
