ASTRAGALUS NAMANGANICUS AND ASTRAGALUS BRACHYRACHIS (FABACEAE): MORPHOLOGICAL, ECOLOGICAL, PHYTOGEOGRAPHIC AND TAXONOMICALLY COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Dekabr, 2025-Yil 195 ASTRAGALUS NAMANGANICUS AND ASTRAGALUS BRACHYRACHIS (FABACEAE): MORPHOLOGICAL, ECOLOGICAL, PHYTOGEOGRAPHIC AND TAXONOMICALLY COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS Axmatova Dilyora Ravshanbek qizi Farg‘ona davlat universiteti, Botanika va biotexnologiya kafedrasi. Tayanch doktoranti. Tel: +998913253134 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18002945 Abstract. Comparative analysis of Astragalus namanganicus and Astragalus brachyrachis. This comparative study synthesizes morphological, ecological and taxonomic information for Astragalus namanganicus and Astragalus brachyrachis from available herbarium records and online taxonomic databases. Both species belong to the family Fabaceae and are adapted to arid, rocky habitats in Central Asia. A. brachyrachis has more detailed morphological descriptions available (e.g., subcaulescent habit, larger flowers ~20–25 mm), whereas A. namanganicus appears to be a more regionally restricted taxon with limited descriptive material. We recommend further field sampling, standardized morphometric analyses, and molecular phylogenetic studies to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and to assess conservation status. Keywords: Astragalus, Fabaceae, Central Asia, morphology, taxonomy, conservation. Astragalus L. - One of the largest and most complex genera in the family Fabaceae, containing more than 3,000 species worldwide. The territory of Central Asia, in particular Uzbekistan and the adjacent Highlands and mountainous regions, is one of the species-rich centers of the genus Astragalus.stragalus L. - One of the largest and most complex genera in the family Fabaceae, containing more than 3,000 species worldwide. The territory of Central Asia, in particular Uzbekistan and the adjacent Highlands and mountainous regions, is one of the speciesrich centers of the genus Astragalus. Many narrow areallic, endemic, and relict species have formed in the region, and their systematic position, morphological boundaries, and ecological adaptations still remain in scientific discussion. Astragalus namanganicus and Astragalus brachyrachis belong to such a complex taxonomic group that, despite their external similarities, are distinguished by a number of important diagnostic signs. The main purpose of this article is an in — depth analysis of the morphological, ecological and phytogeographic characteristics of the two species in question, on the basis of available literature, collected herbarium data and online Floristic bases, to identify their similar and different aspects. Object and subject of research The species Astragalus namanganicus Popov and Astragalus brachyrachis Bunge were selected as the object of the study. The subject of research is the morphology, ecological requirements, areal and taxonomic position of the vegetative and generative organs of these species. Research techniques The following methods were used in the workObject and subject of research The species Astragalus namanganicus Popov and Astragalus brachyrachis Bunge were selected as the object of the study. The subject of research is the morphology, ecological requirements, areal and taxonomic position of the vegetative and generative organs of these species. Dekabr, 2025-Yil 196 Research techniques The following methods were used in the work: comparativemorphological method (leaf, petal, stem, flower and fruit markings); Ecological Analysis (substrate, altitude region, phytocenosis); areal and phytogeographic analysis; analysis of literature and electronic databases. Results and discussion Taxonomic position Both species belong to the genus Astragalus of the family Fabaceae and belong to closely related groups at the level of sects by morphological characters. nanalysis of literature and electronic databases (POWO, World Flora Online, Plantarium and territorial flora). Results and discussion Taxonomic position Both species belong to the genus Astragalus of the family Fabaceae and belong to closely related groups at the level of sects by morphological characters. A. brachyrachis is characterized by relatively clear diagnostic signs in the classical literature, while a. namanganicus is noted by some authors as a narrow areallic or locally endemic species. Morphological features A.. namanganicus is a perennial, low-growing, often semi-bushy (subshrub) plant. The STEM is short, with the main biomass concentrated around the root throat. The leaves are patchy, the number and size of the petals are variable depending on environmental conditions. The degree of baldness is moderate, this feature indicates that it is adapted to a dry and open environment. A.. brachyrachis, on the other hand, has a subcaulescent growth form with a relatively well-developed stem, usually reaching 15-30 cm in height. The petals are relatively densely located, the pubescence is stronger. The flowers are larger, often yellow, and this sign is important diagnostic in the identification of the specie. Generative organs. The structure of generative organs is important in distinguishing species. A. brachyrachis, the flowers are about 20-25 mm long, formings. The structure of generative organs is important in distinguishing species. A. brachyrachis, the flowers are about 20-25 mm long, forming a ciliated nodule. The fruits (pods) are distinguished by their shape and degree of pubescence. A. namanganicus, however, there is less description of generative characters, a condition that requires additional phenological and morphometric studies. Ecology and phytocenotic connection. Both species are found mainly in dry, rocky, lowfertile soils, in mountainous and low mountain regions. They have xerophytic and psammoxerophytic properties and are adapted to strong insolation and moisture deficiency.oth species are found mainly in dry, rocky, low-fertile soils, in mountainous and low mountain regions. They have xerophytic and psammoxerophytic properties and are adapted to strong insolation and moisture deficiency. A. The distribution of namanganicus is more associated with the Fergana Valley, while A. brachyrachis has a relatively wider ecological amplitude. Areal and endemism A. namanganicus is highly likely to be a narrowly distributed species, which can be considered an important endemic component of the flora of Uzbekistan us is highly likely to be a narrowly distributed species, which can be considered an important endemic component of the flora of Uzbekistan. A. brachyrachis, on the other hand, is distributed within Central Asia, with lower levels of endemism. Conclusion Although morphologically similar, Astragalus namanganicus and Astragalus brachyrachis differ in growth form, flower size, degree of pubescence, and areali. A. namanganicus is a narrowly distributed and possibly endemic species that requires further field and herbarium research. A.. brachyrachis is relatively well studied and has clear diagnostic signs. Dekabr, 2025-Yil 197 Molecular-genetic analysis is important in determining phylogenetic relationships between these species. Diagnostic signs and morphometric analysis (deepened). A complex of diagnostic signs plays an important role in the exact differentiation of specieachyrachis is relatively well studied and has clear diagnostic signs. Molecular-genetic analysis is important in determining phylogenetic relationships between these species. A complex of diagnostic signs plays an important role in the exact differentiation of species. The main morphometric and qualitative characters for Astragalus namanganicus and Astragalus brachyrachis are summarized as follows. Description of diagnostic characters Growth form: A. namanganicus-semi-bushy, with a reduced stem; A. brachyrachis is a subcaulescent, with a clearly developed stem. Leaf length: A. namanganicus da variable depending on environmental conditions; A brachyrachis da is relatively stable (usually 10-15 cm). Number and size of petals: A.rowth form: A. namanganicus-semi-bushy, with a reduced stem; A. brachyrachis is a subcaulescent, with a clearly developed stem. Leaf length: A. namanganicus da variable depending on environmental conditions; a. brachyrachis da is relatively stable (usually 10-15 cm). Number and size of petals: A. the number and size of petals (7-15 mm) in brachyrachis is relatively constant; a. in namanganicus, however, variativity is high. Hair removal (indumentum): A. denser at brachyrachis, a. at namanganicus at a moderate level. Flower length: A. brachyrachis-20-25 mm; a. namanganicus - less noted in sources, probably smaller. Fruit (legumes) structure: A. shape and plumage at brachyrachis is of diagnostic importance; A. not sufficiently studied in namanganicus. Practical significance: The results can be applied in the process of inventory of the flora of Uzbekistan and identification of rare species. A. provides the basis for the development of scientific recommendations for the conservation of namanganicus and the preservation of its natural populations. The results of the study can be used as educational material in the disciplines of Botany, Systematics and geography of plants in higher education institutions. REFERENCES 1. Flora Uzbekistana. – Tashkent: Fan nashriyoti, 1941–1962. – T. 1–6. 2. Пономаренко С. Ф., Попов М. Г. 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