Distribution of Saussurea species on the territory of Zhongar-Alatau State National Natural Park

The article presents the results of geobotanical studies of genus Saussurea in the conditions of the Zhongar-Alatau State National Natural Park. The lack of knowledge of the species diversity of endemic species, including genus Saussurea is an actual problem. In the Dzungarian Alatau there are more than 76 species of endemic plants, including Saussurea species listed in the Red Book. The species diversity of genus Saussurea in Kazakhstan is represented by 41 species, of which 8 species are endemic for Kazakhstan. The species diversity of Saussurea genus in the conditions of the Dzungarian Alatau, their distribution and phytocenotic characteristics were studied. The mountainous regions of Kazakhstan are characterized by a belt distribution, high biodiversity, rich vegetation and specific of flora, and on the territory of the Dzungarian Alatau, genus Saussurea is represented by 11 species, among which there are 2 endemic species (S. ninae, S. coronate), as well as 1 relict endemic (S. involucrata). It is established that a large number of Saussurea species grow at an altitude of 1600-3000 above sea level. 5 species of Saussure (S. schanginiana, S. leucophylla, S. gnaphaloides, S. sordida and S. involucrata) were found at an altitude of 2600-3200 m, which proves that these species are high-altitude.