Vegetation Diversity of Screes and Taluses of The Pamir and South-Western Tian Shan in Middle Asia

Abstract This paper presents the results of phytosociological research on scree vegetation Pamir and south-western Tian Shan. We collected 222 relevés during field studies conducted in 2015–2019, applying Braun-Blanquet approach. identified 21 plant communities mobile stabilized screes colluvial cones, aprons fans, inhabiting mainly montane alpine belts several ranges (e.g. Peter First, Alichur, Shugnan, Shachdarian, Darvaz, Rushan, Vanch, Fergana, Kyrgyz Terskey ranges). As a result we provide first comprehensive hierarchical syntaxonomic synopsis at elevations eastern Middle Asia. The represent majority variation among phytocoenoses gravel, pebble, cobble rock block slides belts. Twinspan analyses, nine associations were western All these assigned to Sileno brahuicae-Lactucetalia orientalis Nowak et al. 2021. Additionally, within nitrophilous compact gravel one subassociation Corydalidetum kashgaricae trigonelletosum gontscharovii was distinguished. In most arid zone two additional gravelly semi-deserts zone. main factors determining species composition studied are mobility, particle size, elevation above sea level slope inclination. Our revealed considerable diversity habitats what might be astonishing regarding harsh environment this mountainous territory. However, great number lineages that evolved here particularly rich pool habitat Asia facilitate remarkable taluses screes. distinctiveness is additionally enhanced by high degree endemism chasmophytic part Despite recent developments, prominent still needs thorough focused its relationship semi-desert, tall-forb petrophytic mountains Pamir, Hindu-Kush, Kunlun Central