Аннотация
Abstract A comprehensive study of the morphological, anatomical, and ecological characteristics of six Eremurus M. Bieb. species (E. robustus, E. tianschanicus, E. fuscus, E. cristatus, E. inderiensis, and E. anisopterus) was conducted in the Almaty Region and the Northern Tien Shan. The study aimed to identify interspecific differences and adaptive traits formed under arid and mountainous environmental conditions. Field material was collected during expeditions in 2025. For each species, 10 individuals from natural populations were examined, and at least 30 quantitative measurements were performed for each morphological and anatomical trait. Morphological analysis revealed considerable variability in plant habitus, leaf morphology, inflorescence architecture, and the dimensions of the perianth and fruits. Fruit diameter (M ± SD) was analyzed as a reproductive morphological trait with potential taxonomic relevance.One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated a statistically significant effect of the factor “species” on plant height, leaf width, perianth length, and fruit diameter, confirming their diagnostic and adaptive significance. All studied species exhibit pronounced xeromorphic features, including a single-layered epidermis with a well-developed cuticle, sunken stomata, differentiated mesophyll, and water-storage cells. Quantitative anatomical parameters vary considerably among species. The most pronounced xeromorphic and water-accumulating traits were recorded in E. anisopterus and E. inderiensis, which inhabit sandy and highly arid environments. The novelty of the study lies in the first integrated comparative morpho-anatomical assessment of six co-occurring Eremurus species in southeastern Kazakhstan, demonstrating the ecological and taxonomic significance of anatomical traits in arid mountain ecosystems. The practical significance of the study lies in the identification of diagnostic morpho-anatomical traits that can be used for species identification, ecological assessment, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation planning of Eremurus species in arid and mountain ecosystems of southeastern Kazakhstan.