Alai Cornflower / Alai's Many Heads, Thick Stem / Alai Centaury

Alai Centaury

Status: VU. Endemic species.

Description. Perennial plant up to 80 - 100 cm tall. Leaves are elongated-oval, sharp, with cartilaginous serrations along the edge, gradually narrowing towards the base; lower leaves are petiolate, entire; middle and upper leaves are on very short winged petioles or nearly sessile, entire or with a few very small lateral segments at the base of the blade. Flowers are yellow, gathered in a basket-like inflorescence. The involucral bracts are bare, up to 2 cm long and up to 1.5 cm wide; the outer and middle involucral bracts lack appendages, sometimes with a narrow membranous margin; the innermost bracts have a small membranous appendage. The fruits are achenes with a tuft.

Biological features. Flowers in June - July, fruits in July - August.

General distribution and in the country. Fergana Ridge: Tar River valley, Alai Ridge.

Habitat. On rocky slopes in the lower and middle mountain belts.

Population. Small populations.

Limiting factors. Reasons are unknown.

Cultivation. No information available.

Existing conservation measures. Not protected.

Recommended conservation measures. Ensure the preservation of habitats and populations of the species, clarify the reserves.

Alai kёp bashy, tarmal chёbu

Alai Centaury
Centaurea alaica IIjin
Status: VU. This mosaic-distributed species is a local endemic of Southern Tien-Shan and North-eastern Alai-Pamirs. It is spread in Alai and Fergana Mountain Ranges (Tar River basin). This tall perennial plant has aesthetic value. Plants populate stony slopes in low- and mid-montane belts. Period of flowering: June - July, fruiting in July - August. The population is insignificant, and limiting factors are not revealed. Data about cultivation and any protection measures are absent. The protection of habitats and monitoring, inventory of the specific area and populations, as well as prohibition of flower collection, are recommended to conserve the species.