Nathaliella alaica
Status: CR B2ab(iii). A rare, endemic species of a monotypic genus of Himalayan origin. Decorative.
Description. A perennial, low herbaceous plant with a thick vertical root, stemless. The caudex is densely covered with remnants of basal leaves and bristly hairs, and has a rosette of numerous entire, elongated-oval leaves on long (equal to the blade) petioles. The flowers are basal, about 2-2.5 cm long on short pedicels, pink-violet, long-tubular, obscurely bilabiate, with 5 slightly unequal lobes of the corolla. There are 4 stamens, and the style has an expanded stigma. The capsule is two-celled and glabrous.
Biological features. It flowers and fruits in June-July. Propagates by seeds.
Distribution general and in the country. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan: basin of the Shakhimardan River, Isfairam-Sai, surroundings of Lake Kurban-Kul.
Habitat. Rocky slopes of mountains, cliffs.
Population. Populations are extremely small and may disappear.
Limiting factors. Human economic activity, habitat destruction.
Existing conservation measures. Included in the Red Book of the USSR (1984).
Recommended conservation measures. Study of the current state of the species populations, organization of a botanical reserve in areas of highest concentration, introduction into culture as a decorative plant.
Alai Nathaliella
Nathaliella
Nathaliella alaica B. Fedtsch.
Status: Critically endangered (CR B2ab(iii)), rare local endemic of the north-western part of the Alai Mountains, representative of the monotypic genus of Himalayan origin. This stemless perennial plant is known only from the basins of the Isfairamsai and Shakhimardan Rivers (area near Kurban-Kol Lake) in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It populates stony slopes and rocks in the mid-montane belt. Flowering and fruiting plants are observed in June - July; propagation is generative. The number is extremely small. Limiting factors include the small territory of occupancy and distribution; small populations can be lost as a result of any possible transformation and destruction of habitats caused by disturbing human activity. The species is unknown in cultivation and in territories of existing protected areas, despite being listed in the USSR Red Book. For the species’ conservation, monitoring of populations, creation of botanical wildlife areas, and introduction into culture (as a nice-flowering species) are recommended, as well as continuing the study of specific areas of occupancy and biology.
