The scientists of the Botanical Garden of the Kazakh capital discovered seven new species of plants this year. Five species were found during the last expeditions across the country and the rest during researching the archives. In general, the scientists go to the regions for new specimens several times a year.
“Two new orchid species have been recently identified for the flora of Kazakhstan in the process of redefining herbarium collections. This work was published in an internationally licensed magazine,” said Serik Kubentayev, Head of Laboratory, Botanical Garden.
The samples are now overseas. Researchers noted that herbarium funds help monitor plant changes and migration. The capital’s collection is one of the youngest in the country. It began to form only two years ago. There are over 10,000 samples on one shelve. Most of them were donated by other Botanical Gardens. The oldest specimens date back to the 19th century. The bulk of herbariums were collected in the next century. They have been preserved very well.
“A 50s herbarium is presented here. We have the pistachio in our herbarium. It is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. It is a valuable nut plant,” said Daniyar Alibekov, researcher, Botanical Garden.
The flora of Kazakhstan has about 6,000 plant species. Only half of them are represented in the capital’s herbarium fund. Moreover, there are specimens of the same flower, but collected in different regions of the country.
