Taxonomic diversity of genus Berberis L. (Berberidaceae Juss.) in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (Republic of Azerbaijan)
Abstract
A.M. Ibrahimov, N.H. Salmanova, A.V. Matsyura
We performed long-term field observations and retrospective analysis of Berberis L. species for the territory of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. We registered six species (B. densiflora Boiss. & Buhse., B. iberica Stev. & Fisch. ex DC., B. integerrima Bunge., B. orientalis C.K. Schneid., B. sphaerocarpa Kar. & Kir., and B. vulgaris L.) and two forms (Berberis vulgaris f. alba West. and Berberis vulgaris f. lutea Regel) for this territory. The status of B. integerrima Bunge. and B. orientalis C.K. Schneid was determined, whereas Berberis vulgaris f. alba West and Berberis vulgaris f. lutea Regel forms were determined for Nakhchivan and Azerbaijan's flora for the first time. Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea form was introduced and used in parks and gardens. Shrubs surrounded by wild barberry can be come across in almost all areas of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. They are the main subdominant plants in the formation of forest shrubs, spreading singly or in small groups in the upper, middle and sometimes in lower mountain ranges.
Key words: Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Berberis L., systematics, synonym, wild and cultivated species, spreading, introduction