Аңдатпа
Modern changes in natural and anthropogenic conditions in mountain ecosystems highlight the growing need to assess the status of medicinal plant populations and factors influencing their resilience. This study presents findings from a comprehensive investigation of three previously undocumented wild populations of Chelidonium majus L., discovered in the gorges of Kaindy, Shet-Merke, and Kolsai in the eastern part of the Kungey Alatau range. The research included analysis of phytocenotic conditions, population age structure, morphometric and morpho-anatomical traits of plants, along with physicochemical properties of soils. It was found that C. majus is associated with meadow-type moisture regimes and occurs spottily, mainly in moist microhabitats within open and semi-shaded plant communities. Population sizes ranged from 264 to 296 individuals, with average densities between 5.1 and 16.3 individuals per m2. All studied populations exhibited complete ontogenetic spectra, dominated by generative stages (56.1–67.2%), indicating preserved reproductive potential despite limited recruitment at early developmental phases. Morpho-anatomical analysis revealed high phenotypic plasticity: under drier, poorer soil conditions, xeromorphic features developed, whereas mesomorphic structures prevailed in more favorable habitats. Soil analysis indicated that Shet-Merke population enjoys optimal growth and regeneration conditions. These results suggest that current C. majus populations in the region remain relatively stable, though strongly dependent on edaphic–hydrological and phytocenotic factors—underscoring the necessity of integrated monitoring to ensure conservation of medicinal plant resources.