Morphological Variability of Nitraria Species in Central and Southern Kazakhstan

Abstract The variability of metric traits has been studied in 20 Kazakhstan populations three Nitraria species ( N. schoberi L., sibirica Pall., and komarovii Iljin & Lava ex Bobrov). According to the results, differs from small leaves, fruits, seeds, as well structural features inflorescences flowers. is characterized by a greater number flowers per inflorescence (25–66 on average) than (14–28 average). Additionally, narrower (1.3×) petals smaller anthers (1.46× length 1.2× width) pistils (1.25× 1.44× width). leaves (1.7×). relatively large (especially size that, together with petals, makes it possible distinguish this during flowering. Flowers are bright yellow, while those white light purple, respectively. fruits orange, pale red, or red. Fruits dark burgundy black, At intraspecific level, most (except for habitus plants) stable do not depend 16 climatic parameters plant habitats. same time, morphological have revealed plants Ili Depression. In these populations, form shrubs up 1.8 m height (up 90) inflorescence, (3.5 mm 2.2 width average), (~0.6 mm) anthers, (5–5.5 length) (~4 narrow ovate stones. These indicate ecological–geographical differentiation under extra-arid conditions stony desert depression evidence separate taxonomic rank populations.