TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND BIOGEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE BUKHARA REGION OF UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

The present study provides a comprehensive taxonomic and ecological analysis of the wild medicinal flora of the Bukhara region, located in the arid zone of Central Asia. Based on the examination of herbarium materials and floristic databases (FLORUZ, TASH), 224 species of medicinal plants were identified, belonging to 160 genera and 55 families. The dominant families were found to be Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Poaceae, and Apiaceae, which together constitute the core of the regional medicinal flora. The study reveals that perennials and annuals equally dominate (38.2% each), followed by subshrubs (11.7%), biennials (5.8%), and woody plants (2.9%). Spatial analysis shows that the greatest concentration of medicinal species occurs in the Peshkun, Jondor, and Shafirkan districts, where more than 56% of the regional flora is concentrated. The prevalence of annual herbs reflects anthropogenic pressure and unsustainable pasture use in the Kyzylkum desert landscapes. The findings contribute to understanding the floristic diversity and ecological adaptation of medicinal species in arid ecosystems, serving as a foundation for future conservation and sustainable utilization of plant resources in Uzbekistan.