Wrapped Alpine Saw-wort
Status: VU. Rare species. Found in Kyrgyzstan at the edge of its range. The species occurs in small numbers in limited areas and may quickly disappear.
Description. A perennial stemless or with a simple stem plant 15-35 cm tall, surrounded by several low-lying leaves. Leaves up to 14 cm long, 3 cm wide. Basal and stem leaves are elongated or broad-lanceolate, with a widened white membranous petiole. The blade is covered with hairs. Flowers are tubular, dirty purple. The inflorescences are numerous (up to 20), clustered in a compressed umbel, surrounded by two rows of large bracts. The bracts are light, numbering 13-17, in two rows, spread out, together with the inflorescences up to 21 (26) cm in diameter. Seeds are brown. The pappus is double.
Biological features. Blooms in June-July, fruits in August. Reproduces by seeds.
Distribution general and in the country. Outside the republic, it is found in Kazakhstan (Northern Tien Shan and Dzhungar Alatau), in Russia (Eastern Siberia), and in China (Xinjiang); in Kyrgyzstan - the Kungey Alatau mountain range (Chon-Aksu pass), Terskey Alatau (Torpu, Chon-Ashuu passes, etc.), Ak-Shiyrak (Petrov Glacier), river valleys in the upper reaches of the Sary-Dzhaz, Inylchek, and Kuilu river basins.
Habitat. Slopes with rocks and stone debris, as well as moraines, in alpine and nival zones.
Population. Limited.
Limiting factors. Intensive summer grazing, unorganized tourism. Cultivation. No data available.
Existing conservation measures. Included in the Red Book of the Kyrgyz SSR (1985).
Recommended conservation measures. Preservation of habitats of populations; establishment of botanical reserves in areas with higher population densities.
Orolgon Saussurea
Wrapped Alpine Saw-wort
Saussurea involucrata (Kar.et Kir.) Sch. Bip.
Status: VU. This ornamental plant is a rare vulnerable species at the margin of its specific area (Northern and Central Tien Shan, Xinjiang, Eastern Siberia). In Kyrgyzstan, it sporadically occurs in the upper part of the Sary-Dzhaz River basin, near Petrov’s Glacier and at the Terskei Ala-Too Mountain Range (Torpu locality). The species populates stony placers on highland slopes. Period of flowering: June - July; reproduction is generative (by seeds) only; data about cultivation are absent. The population is small. Limiting factors: excessive pasturing in the summer period, flower collection (unorganized tourism). This rare species has been included in the Red Book of the country since 1985. Additional recommendations include comprehensive protection of highlands in areas of occupancy, creation of special botanical wildlife areas in places with abundant populations, and introduction into botanical gardens.
