Resinous Plants of Kyrgyzstan
RESINOUS PLANTS
One of the interesting and little-studied groups of useful plants in Kyrgyzstan is the group of resinous plants.
“Resinous plants are those plants that are characterized by the presence of resins or balsams in them.” The term “resin” refers to various substances: turpentine (gum resins), rosin, Canadian balsam, amber, sandarac, damar, copal, akaroid, styrax, incense, mastic, gum gut, lactucarium, and others.
As is known, these substances differ in both structure and chemical properties. Common properties of resins include their physicochemical state, which contributes to the acquisition of many similar qualities.
Resins are complex, insoluble in water, and difficult to separate mixtures of amorphous high molecular weight compounds. The main mass of resins in the USSR is produced by coniferous species. Resins are of great importance in the national economy of our country.
They have long been widely used in the paint and varnish industry for the production of various varnishes, in the chemical industry for the production of various substances, paints (gum gut), soaps, paper, and many other products. Resins are widely used in technology. Varnishes made from resins are used to coat wooden and metal products, machine parts to extend their service life. In the electrical industry, resins are used for impregnating wire insulation.
Resins are also used in medicine — for the preparation of various medicines, as well as in other sectors of the national economy. The demand for resins and balsams grows year by year, especially for rosin.
The Soviet Union annually imports a large amount of resin raw materials from abroad. Therefore, studying domestic resinous plants and identifying ways for their rational use is one of the most important tasks in botanical resource science.
The study of resinous plants represents not only a utilitarian but also a theoretical interest. The patterns of accumulation of resins and balsams in plants are still not clear. The resinous flora has not been sufficiently identified, and maps of the ranges of the most important resinous plants in the country, including Kyrgyzstan, have not been compiled.
This is why more attention should be paid to the study of resinous plants.
Our long-term studies of the flora and vegetation of the republic have shown that there are unique resinous plants in the territory of the Tien Shan. There are more than 32 species in total. The most abundant resinous plants belong to the
Fedorov A.A. and Kiryanov N.P. Resinous plants of the USSR. Plant raw materials of the USSR. Moscow—Leningrad, Publishing House of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Vol. I, 1950. families of Apiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, and Asteraceae.
Resins are most often formed in xerophytic conditions. This is especially true for the families of Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Cupressaceae.
An exception is the family of Pinaceae. Species containing resins in this family are characteristic of mesophytic conditions. However, it should be noted that species of the Pinaceae family are originally associated with microthermal conditions. Obviously, these conditions act similarly to xerophytic ones. In any case, this fact should be given special attention. A number of high-altitude plants, developing in conditions of sufficient moisture but insufficient heat, show signs similar to those of plants developing under high temperatures but with a moisture deficit, that is, of steppe and desert plants.
As noted by A.A. Fedorov, resinous plants are somewhat close to essential oil plants.
A.A. Fedorov writes: “According to the prevailing hypotheses of recent decades, essential oils and resins originated from the same precursor substance. The connection of resins (or parts of resins) with essential oils has long been suggested on the basis that many essential oils gradually become substances similar to resins (resinify) in the air (with the influx of oxygen).” Therefore, the reason for the formation of resins should be sought not only in the genetic basis of the species but also in the ecological conditions of its existence, taking into account the possible connections of resinous plants with essential oil plants.
Of the 295 families known on our planet, only 26 contain resins, and half of the resinous families (i.e., 13) grow in the tropics. Hence, it can be concluded that tropical conditions are more favorable for resin formation. However, resolving this issue requires more detailed research. Notably, of those 13 families with resinous plants, 6 are distributed in Kyrgyzstan.
This fact obliges us to analyze more carefully the conditions in which resinous plants grow and develop. This may shed light on the questions of the patterns of resin formation in plants.
Research has shown that the following resinous plants are found in Kyrgyzstan.
Ferula, or resin plant, in Kyrgyz is called shayr or chayir. This genus in Kyrgyz conditions is represented by 31 species. However, only 10 of them are known as resinous plants. At the same time, this does not mean that the other species do not contain resins at all. They are simply still poorly studied.
There are grounds to believe that a detailed study of the other species of this genus will increase the number of resinous ferulas, as they contain resin canals in their fruits.
It is important to note that 31% of all ferula species characteristic of the USSR grow in Kyrgyzstan, and about 20% of ferulas distributed worldwide. A total of 132 species of ferulas grow on our planet, and in the USSR — 100 species.
According to A.A. Fedorov and N.I. Kiryanov, the resins of ferulas are amorphous, solid, low-melting substances or viscous liquids, quite well soluble in organic solvents and sometimes in alkalis.
In some ferulas, the resins contain esters of umbelliferone or ferulic acid, amorphous resinous alcohols. At temperatures of 150–400°C, ferula resins undergo decomposition, forming gaseous, liquid, and crystalline products.
Ferula resins are mainly found in the roots and fruits. The yield of resins from the roots reaches 15–35%. As a result of entomogenic damage to the tissues of ferulas, resins can be found in the form of exudates on the stems, inflorescences, and fruits.
The extraction of resins from the roots and fruits of ferulas is carried out by extracting them with alkalis or organic solvents, as well as by cutting and collecting natural exudates.
Currently, the extraction of ferula resins is not carried out in Kyrgyzstan. Among all resinous species of ferulas, the greatest amount of resin is found in Ferula yeshke, Ferula peristonervnaya, Ferula prangosolisty, and Ferula olivestem. These species form significant raw material reserves.
Ferula olivestem. A perennial plant with a thickened oval root. The stem reaches 2 m in height. Endemic.
It is characteristic of forests of walnut trees. Distributed in Chatkal and mountainous Fergana. In places, it forms dense thickets. It bears fruit in July. The fruits contain up to 10%, and the roots up to 12% of resin. The resin contains umbelliferone (up to 5%).
Ferula peristonervnaya. This ferula is popularly known as “turpentine root.” An alcoholic infusion is made from it and used instead of ginseng. However, there have been cases where the infusion caused kidney inflammation.
It grows exclusively on rocky-gravelly slopes and cliffs in almost all regions of Kyrgyzstan, except for high-altitude areas. It is especially characteristic of the southern slopes of the Kyrgyz and Talas ridges. It is often found in the Issyk-Kul basin, Kochkorka, Jumgal, and Susamyr. Separate thickets can be found on the Fergana ridge, in Alay, and Chatkal. It manifests itself everywhere as a lithophile. It does not form dense thickets, but individual specimens are often found on rocky-gravelly slopes. The thick roots contain up to 25% resin.
Resin exudates can be found on the stems and in the inflorescence.
Despite the high percentage of resin, it is not advisable to use this ferula as a resinous plant, as it plays a significant role in stabilizing gravelly slopes. Ways of its intensive reproduction should be studied, and with its help, the so-called “unusable lands” should be developed. It is promising to organize plantations of this species on gravelly slopes and only then raise the question of using it as a resinous plant.
Ferula variocanalicata. The stems reach 150 cm and have swollen nodes. At the base, the stem is covered with remnants of old leaves. The branches of the oval inflorescence are arcuately bent. The leaves are quickly wilting. Unlike the two previous ferulas, this species prefers gentle slopes of foothills and mid-mountains, with the main range concentrated in the Inner Tien Shan. It is rarely found in the Kyrgyz ridge.
The roots contain up to 18% resin. Although Ferula variocanalicata contains a lower percentage of resin than other ferulas, it should be used specifically as a resinous plant: it is not eaten by livestock, increases in grass stands year after year, and thus clogs steppe and semi-desert pastures.
Ferula pseudooreoselinova. It reaches 3 m in height, has a purple-brown color of the stem. The inflorescence is shield-shaped and sparse.
It grows in the forests and shrubs of the Chatkal ridge. It is an endemic of Central Asia. The roots are enormous. In some specimens, they reach up to 35 kg and contain from 12 to 25% of resins.
It is very promising for resin extraction. In addition, its roots also contain from 2 to 5% of essential oils.
In natural conditions, it sometimes forms significant thickets, especially on the forest edges. The resin contains umbelliferone.
Ferula yeshke, or kugitanskaya. This species is widely distributed in the Kyrgyz ridge, the basin of Lake Issyk-Kul, in Susamyr, and in Kemin. It grows on steppe gravelly slopes together with many lithophytes and xerophytes. It reaches subalpine heights, especially along the southern and southeastern gravelly slopes.
The stem reaches 180 cm in height and has a reddish-brown hue, thick. The leaves are quickly wilting and soft.
The fruits contain up to 3.5% essential oil and from 10 to 19% resin. Resins and essential oils are also present in the roots.
According to A.A. Fedorov and N.P. Kiryanov, the roots contain up to 28% resin. However, it is not worth extracting resins and essential oils — considering that Ferula yeshke helps stabilize slopes against erosion. Its fruits contain a significant percentage of resins and essential oils. In addition, resin exudates are present on the stems and in the inflorescence. Therefore, it is more convenient to use the resins of the above-ground organs.
Thus, by preserving it in the grass stand, it is possible to successfully extract resins and essential oils from this ferula without disturbing its roots.
Ferula fragrant. Unlike the previous one, this ferula has a thick tapering stem more than one meter high, although of the same reddish-brown hue. The stem branches from the middle and bears an elongated oval dense inflorescence of yellow flowers. It blooms in May and bears fruit in June — July.
It grows on heavily gravelly slopes among shrubs. It has a specific smell that repels mice and hamsters.
The resin also has a strong unpleasant odor; it is dark brown in color. It is found in the form of exudates on the stems, in the inflorescences, in the fruits, especially in places damaged by insects. There is also resin in the roots, but its yield and chemical composition have not been studied. Ferula fragrant is especially abundant in Kokomerene, in Ketmen-Tube, in Susamyr, and in Jumgal. Resin extraction should be organized in these places.
Ferula boroldayskaya, or karatavskaya. The stem reaches up to 1 m in height, rounded, branching from the middle. The branches are sprawling, sparse, and the inflorescence is oval in shape. The leaves are slightly rough and quickly wilting. The flowers are yellow. It blooms in May — June and bears fruit in June — July.
It grows on steppe slopes only in the south of Kyrgyzstan, in mountainous Fergana and Alay. It contains resin in the fruits (12.5%), in the roots (13.4%), in the leaves and stems (4.39%). Essential oils are absent. The resin of all parts of the plant contains umbelliferone.
It is not eaten by livestock and clogs pastures, so it can be used as a resinous plant. This will also somewhat free pastures from weeds.
Among the Euphorbiaceae family, there are species in which various resins have been found in the latex. Such species in Kyrgyz conditions include Euphorbia ferganensis, Euphorbia thick-rooted, and Euphorbia bulbous.
There are also other species of Euphorbia in the republic, a total of 28. However, they do not represent interest as resinous plants, while the aforementioned species contain a significant percentage of resin.
Euphorbia ferganensis, in Kyrgyz chon-but. A perennial plant with a large tuber (spherical or spindle-shaped). The stems reach 35—75 cm in height and branch significantly, forming a “ball.” A distinctive feature of Fergana Euphorbia is its original color — from reddish to dark purple. Against the background of the rest of the steppe vegetation, the spherical bushes of Euphorbia stand out vividly and reliefly.
The main range is concentrated in the Toguz-Toro area and in the Talas ridge, where Euphorbia ferganensis forms unique colorful steppes, occupying large areas, where it is the dominant or subdominant of the vegetation cover.
It is also found in the Chatkal and Fergana ridges, in the western part of the Kyrgyz ridge. In the vertical profile, it ranges from dry semi-desert foothills to meadow steppes.
It blooms in May and bears fruit in June. By the end of July, it usually dries out and burns out, breaking off from wind and other mechanical damage and can “roll” with the wind from place to place, forming a semblance of “rolling fields.” The stems contain a lot of latex, which contains from 24 to 38% resins.
The latex of the stems is white, but hardens in the air and turns into a gray mass. The roots also contain latex: it is yellow and contains 4—15% resins. The roots are powerful, with some specimens reaching 20 kg. Up to 5 tons of raw roots can be collected from one hectare. The roots of Fergana Euphorbia contain succinic, acetic, and other acids and are of interest for further study.
Euphorbia bulbous, or turnip. A perennial plant of ephemeral structure. The stem is short, 20—25 cm, with spreading branches. The underground tuber is spherical, sometimes branched. It blooms in April — May and bears fruit in May — June.
It grows in foothills, in semi-desert steppes. The main range is concentrated in the Toguz-Toro area and in the Chui valley. It is poisonous. When eaten by livestock, it causes poisoning. The latex in the leaves, stems, and tubers contains resins — from 4 to 10%. It is promising for resin extraction, as it can be exploited without harming the grass stand.
Overall, among all species of Euphorbia found in Kyrgyzstan, the most promising for resin extraction are Euphorbia ferganensis and bulbous Euphorbia.
The Sumac family in Kyrgyzstan is represented by only three genera. The main one is the genus pistachio. Compared to other republics, the thickets of pistachio in Kyrgyzstan are quite insignificant. While in Tajikistan pistachio trees make up 63% of the entire area of pistachios in the USSR, in Turkmen SSR — 19%, in Uzbek SSR — 12%, in Kyrgyzstan they account for only 0.9%.
Pistacia vera. A perennial multi-stemmed shrub or tree 5—7 m high with a dense hemispherical crown and leathery leaves.
It grows on clayey and stony foothills among deserts and semi-deserts in the Chatkal, Fergana, and Alay ridges. Tiny thickets are found in the Kyrgyz ridge (in the Boom gorge).
It is artificially cultivated in the foothills of the Kyrgyz ridge — in Chon-Aryk. It contains valuable resin in the trunks. From one tree, up to 3.5 kg of resin can be obtained in a decade through tapping. The resin is suitable for the production of high-quality nitro varnishes, spirit and oil varnishes. Coniferous species of Kyrgyzstan, although resinous, are not suitable for use as resinous species.
The Asteraceae family in Kyrgyzstan is represented by numerous species. However, there are few resinous plants among them. These include 5 species of lactuca, 2 species of chondrilla, and 1 species of sunflower.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Grown in fields, mainly in the Chui valley. It contains up to 9% resin.
Lactuca, or eastern milk thistle. A small semi-shrub 20—60 cm high, consisting of several whitish, woody stems at the bottom. The lower leaves are pinnately dissected, the upper ones are whole, the flower heads are 4—5-flowered, narrowly cylindrical, bearing yellow flowers. It blooms in August and bears fruit in August — September. It grows in the foothills and mid-mountains on gravel and rocky-gravelly slopes in the Kyrgyz, Talas, Alay, Turkestan ridges, and Alay valley. It tends to the south of Kyrgyzstan, as its main range lies in Asia Minor.
It contains resin in the latex: in the leaves — 3.07%, and in the stems slightly less — 2.36% (data from A.A. Fedorov and N.P. Kiryanov, 1950).
Lactuca undulata. In contrast to the previous species — an annual bluish plant 3—40 cm high.
The flowers are blue or whitish. It blooms in June and bears fruit in June — July. It grows as a weed in cultivated fields of the Chui valley. In addition, it is found on clayey-gravelly foothills, on outcrops of multicolored rocks, especially on northern foothills in the Kyrgyz, Fergana, Alay, and Turkestan ridges, in the western part of the Issyk-Kul basin.
In the latex (in the leaves and stems), there is from 14 to 16% resin. This species should be used more widely as a resinous plant. By clearing crops of lactuca undulata, we simultaneously acquire raw materials for resin production.
Lactuca sativa, or salad. Cultivated as a vegetable. However, its latex contains many resins, and according to A.A. Fedorov and N.P. Kiryanov, the leaves of lactuca sativa contain 10.7%, in the stem — 5.41%, and in the root — 6.275% resins.
Its leaves are widely used as salad in their young age; they are light green, tender, and slightly wavy at the edges.
Lactuca serriola, or common lettuce. A biennial plant 60—130 cm high with a straight whitish stem. The leaves are bluish with arrow-shaped bases, stem-clasping. The flowers are yellow. It blooms in July — August and bears fruit in August — September — October. It grows in crops, on fallow lands, in foothills, along ditches, on riverbanks, among shrubs, on slopes up to 1700 m above sea level. It is found in the Issyk-Kul basin, in the Inner Tien Shan, in the Chui valley, in the Talas, Fergana, and Alay ridges (in the northern foothills). The latex contains a lot of resins.
According to A.A. Fedorov and N.P. Kiryanov, the leaves of this lactuca contain a lot of resins from 9 to 18.36%, in the stems — 5.8—13.12%, in the roots — 5.41—14.08%.
Lactuca altaica. Like the previous one, it is a biennial plant 40—130 cm high with arrow-shaped stem-clasping leaves and yellow flowers.
It also grows along the banks of ditches, in fields, along roads, but is also found in the wild on clayey, gravelly, and sandy slopes, in the foothills of the Kyrgyz, Talas, Chatkal, Turkestan ridges, and in the Chui valley. The latex of the stems contains up to 9.31% resin.
In our opinion, the use of lactuca as resinous plants should be practiced more widely, as this can bring double benefits — obtaining resins and clearing crops of weeds.
In Kyrgyzstan, in addition to lactuca, various species of chondrilla are resinous plants.
Chondrilla is known as a rubber-bearing plant, but it also contains resins in its latex. Scientists have established that the resin content in chondrilla depends on its developmental phase. The highest amount (over 13%) of resins is found during full flowering and at the end of the growing season. In Kyrgyzstan, the chondrilla short-nosed and grayish species are of interest as resinous species.
Chondrilla brevirostris, or short-beaked. A perennial plant 40—100 cm high, highly branched, with woody stems in the lower part, with yellow flower baskets. It blooms and bears fruit from June to October.
It grows in semi-deserts and dry steppes in the lower mountain belt in some areas of Central Tien Shan (Kara-Koyun), in the Issyk-Kul basin, in the Kyrgyz, Talas ridges, and in the Chui valley. The bark of the roots contains up to 27.06% resin. Extraction is done by tapping. The highest amount of resin is produced in the evening and at night, in mid-summer.
Chondrilla glaucophylla. A branching perennial 40—150 cm high. It grows on gravelly, stony slopes of mountains up to 3000 m above sea level, in dry steppes and on gravel beds. It is especially widespread in Toguz-Toro, the Turkestan ridge, the Issyk-Kul basin, and on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz ridge. It contains resins: in the leaves — 8.7% to 13.10%, in the roots — from 5.60% to 11.10%, in the stems — from 3.08% to 4.16%.
Juniper. Various species of juniper are widely distributed in Kyrgyzstan. In terms of area occupied, juniper forests in Kyrgyzstan rank first in the Soviet Union.
The resin content of juniper species has been poorly studied. However, literature indicates that juniper is a resinous plant and contains up to 9% resin. Resin forms on the stems in the form of exudates due to mechanical damage to the bark and wood. Special attention should be paid to various species of juniper as promising resinous species.
The study of resinous plants in Kyrgyzstan, the identification of ways for their rational use and protection is one of the cardinal tasks in botanical resource science. It represents not only utilitarian but also significant theoretical interest.
Research on the flora of Kyrgyzstan has shown that the ecological conditions of the republic are favorable for resin formation in resinous plants.
However, considering that a number of plants in Kyrgyzstan, containing a high percentage of resin, also have significant anti-erosion and water protection value, resin extraction should be carried out with great caution, as extracting resins from these plants may lead to irreversible processes disrupting the natural biocomplex.
A number of resinous plants (Euphorbia ferganensis, Lactuca undulata, and others) clog pastures and crops, so resin extraction from them should be organized first. This will somewhat clear crops and forage lands from weeds and poisonous plants.
