LIFE FORM OF THE PLANT COMMUNITY INVOLVING BRYONIA MELANOCARPA NABIEV. IN THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF THE KYZYLKUM DESERT

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the life forms and taxonomic composition of plant communities involving Bryonia melanocarpa Nabiev in the southeastern part of the Kyzylkum Desert. Bryonia melanocarpa is a rare relict species listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan, and field investigations were conducted across three natural populations differing in ecological conditions and floristic saturation.

The first population (42.198287 / 67.792981) comprises 45 species belonging to 38 genera and 20 families, characterized by a highly xerophytic and psammophytic vegetation complex dominated by Chenopodiaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Brassicaceae. The second population (42.7198286 / 67.779298) includes 36 species (28 genera, 17 families) with a predominance of Irano-Turanian floristic elements, as well as a high proportion of therophytes and hemicryptophytes indicating adaptation to extreme aridity. The third population (42.7198287 / 67.7792981) contains 30 species from 28 genera and 17 families, where Chenopodiaceae is the leading family typical for sandy desert ecosystems.

According to Raunkiaer’s system, the dominant life forms across all populations are therophytes, hemicryptophytes, and chamaephytes - adaptive groups widely associated with arid continental environments. The findings demonstrate that plant communities with Bryonia melanocarpa represent highly specialized xeromorphic complexes combining ancient relict species with modern drought-resistant forms. This research contributes valuable data for understanding desert vegetation dynamics and highlights the importance of conserving Bryonia melanocarpa and its fragile habitats in the Kyzylkum Desert.

Keywords: Bryonia melanocarpa, Kyzylkum Desert, life forms, Irano-Turanian flora, psammophytic vegetation, arid ecosystems.