Acta Biologica Sibirica 10: 197–213 (2024)

doi: 10.5281/zenodo.10934573
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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Urban floristic diversity in the arid zone:

a case study of Bukhara city

Saida M. Gafarova1, Mukhamad I. Gulamov2,

Husniddin K. Esanov1, Abdulla M. Umedov1

1 Bukhara State University, Republic of Uzbekistan, Bukhara

2 Bukhara State Medical Institute, Republic of Uzbekistan, Bukhara

Corresponding author: Mukhamad I. Gulamov ([email protected])

Academic editor: R. Yakovlev | Received 5 December 2023 | Accepted 20 March 2024 | Published 8 April 2024

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Citation: Gafarova SM, Gulamov MI, Esanov HK, Umedov AM (2024) Urban floristic diversity in the arid zone: a
case study of Bukhara city. Acta Biologica Sibirica 10: 197–213. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10934573

Abstract
The urban flora of Bukhara city has experienced a surge in recent years, attributed to the introduction
of adventive plants from abroad. We conducted detailed floristic descriptions of green spaces along
roads, near houses, in the central city Samonid recreation park, and at the "Ko'hna va boqiy Buxoro"
recreation center. We registered that urban vegetation comprises 42 species of trees, 21 species of
shrubs, and 70 species of herbaceous vegetation. The density of urban phytocenoses in the surveyed
areas ranges from 40 to 55 species per 1000 m2, encompassing 21–28 tree species, 4–11 shrub species,
and 14–28 herb species. Our findings indicate that the introduced vegetation comprises 79 species
from 34 families, with ornamental trees (43 species) and shrubs (24 species). We have observed a
steady increase in the number of introduced species entering the city through natural means, suggest-
ing their successful acclimatization despite the arid conditions. The research emphasized the impor-
tance of green spaces in promoting social cohesion, community well-being, and preserving cultural
heritage in Bukhara. Additionally, the study indicated a steady increase in the number of introduced
species entering the city through natural means, reflecting ongoing beautification efforts and urban
development projects. Overall, the qualitative data provided insights into the resilience and adapt-
ability of urban flora in Bukhara, the impact of urbanization on plant diversity, and the significance of
green spaces in enhancing the quality of urban environments. The patterns and trends observed in the
qualitative data underscore the need for sustainable management strategies to conserve and enhance
biodiversity in Bukhara city.

Copyright Saida M. Gafarova et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC
BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
198 Saida M. Gafarova et al. / Acta Biologica Sibirica 10: 197–213 (2024)

Keywords
Floristic diversity, flora, minimum range, botanical-geographical method

Introduction
In the realm of global climate change in the 21st century, the study of biodiversity
has become increasingly important (A Global Standard 2016; Gulamov 2022; Kate
2022; Alves 2024). The vegetation in urban areas plays a vital role in public health
and the overall well-being of city residents (Klausnitzer 1982; 1983; Vershinin 2014;
Esanov 2016). Gardens and parks in cities significantly influence urban environ-
ments, creating favorable conditions for plant communities to thrive, especially in
areas affected by human activities.
The urban vegetation has been the subject of several studies in recent years, with
researchers exploring various aspects of plant diversity, distribution, and ecosystem
services in the city. This literature review aims to synthesize and summarize the
existing knowledge on urban vegetation to provide a comprehensive overview of
the field. One of the key themes that emerge from the literature is the importance of
urban vegetation in providing ecosystem services to the city's residents. A study by
Ceplová et al. (2017) found that urban green spaces play a crucial role in regulating
the local climate, reducing air pollution, and improving overall well-being. Simi-
larly, Grapow, Blasti (1998) highlighted the role of urban vegetation in enhancing
biodiversity and providing habitat for wildlife in the city.
Several studies have also focused on the distribution and composition of urban
vegetation. For example, a study by Tretyakova et al. (2018) found that the city's
parks and gardens are home to a diverse range of plant species, with a high level of
endemism. In contrast, a study by Jovanović, Glišić (2021) reported a decline in na-
tive vegetation cover in urban areas due to urbanization and land use change.
In addition to ecosystem services and biodiversity, researchers have also ex-
plored the social and cultural significance of urban vegetation. A study by Tretya-
kova et al. (2021) highlighted the role of green spaces in promoting social cohesion
and community well-being in the city. Similarly, Vähä-Piikkiö et al. (2004) found
that urban vegetation plays a crucial role in preserving the city's cultural heritage
and historical identity.
Various studies on urban vegetation diversity take into account factors such as
the city's location, size, landscape, and geographical features, which impact the se-
lection of suitable habitats (Christenhusz et al. 2011; Vershinin 2014; Brauneder et
al. 2018; Prokhorov, Usmanova 2018). A crucial aspect of studying urban flora is de-
termining its minimum range, which acts as a sampling area. The minimum range
is defined by two key features: the number of species present and the area covered,
with the species list representing the flora encountered and the area serving as a
measure of the adequacy of this list. Therefore, a floristic sample of a specific size
 Urban floristic diversity in the arid zone: a case study of Bukhara city 199

should correspond to the minimum range flora and can be used as a standard for
comparing and evaluating the floral structure of the region (Brauneder et al. 2018).
While there haven't been specific studies on the urban flora of Bukhara, previous
research has discussed the plant species in the surrounding areas (Esanov 2016; Esa-
nov, Usmanov 2018; Esanov, Sharipova 2020; Verkhozina et al. 2022). These studies
have emphasized the presence of non-native species thriving in natural conditions
as part of the urban flora, along with their establishment, naturalization, and inva-
sive tendencies. These species play a significant role in enhancing the biodiversity
of the city's urban flora. Presently, ongoing research on the urban flora of Bukhara
aims to assess how global climate change impacts urban flora diversity, utilizing the
floristic systematic grid method.
This study seeks to explore the diversity of trees, shrubs, and grasses in urban
settings through field observations and existing literature, using Bukhara city in
Uzbekistan as a focal point for investigation.

Materials and methods

In the Bukhara oblast, which covers an area of 143 km², we encounter a distinctly
continental, desert climate marked by severe winters and hot, arid summers. With
January temperatures averaging around -2 C and July temperatures soaring above
40 C, the region receives an annual precipitation of 90–150 mm, predominantly in
the form of rainfall, placing it squarely within the arid zone. The Bukhara oasis, in-
fluenced significantly by desert winds due to its proximity to the desert (Gafarova,
Gulamov 2021), boasts an impressive array of 476 plant species spanning 294 gen-
era and 62 families (Esanov 2016).
Our research delved into the floristic diversity of Bukhara city through a sys-
tematic algorithm:
The city was partitioned into uniform minimum habitats. These minimum
habitats, selected based on urban landscape characteristics, served as study areas.
Comprehensive plant biodiversity surveys were conducted within each designated
minimum habitat. The findings were collated using appropriate statistical tech-
niques across all chosen sites within the city. We examined various urban landscape
types, including garden and park areas, low-rise areas, high-rise areas, and factory
areas, each with distinct features influencing plant diversity. To capture the essen-
tial traits of the flora, we employed the minimum areal method, focusing on five
selected sample plots within Bukhara city, aided by data from various sources such
as the Bukhara city cadastre map (Gafarova, Gulamov 2021), the Bukhara Depart-
ment of Urban Amenities, and research data (Esanov 2016; Esanov, Sharipova 2020;
Verkhozina et al. 2022).
Our assessment encompassed nine sample areas scattered across different city
sectors to ensure a comprehensive representation of urban flora (Fig. 1), namely
northern (Gijduvan Street), southern (Navoi Avenue and Piridastgir Street), west-
200 Saida M. Gafarova et al. / Acta Biologica Sibirica 10: 197–213 (2024)

ern (Khavzi Bodom Street), eastern (B. Naqshband Street), and central parts (I.
Muminov Street, Mustakillik Street, and M. Iqbol Street). This selection aimed to
ensure maximum representativeness of urban flora. Throughout the study, we con-
ducted detailed descriptions of green spaces along roads, near houses, in the cen-
tral city Samonid recreation park, and at the "Ko’hna va boqiy Buxoro" recreation
center. Additionally, we determined morphometric indices of trunk and crown, as
well as the vital state, for each woody plant. Across the city, we observed 434 trees
in the western part, 1145 trees in the eastern part, 658 trees in the central part, 468
trees in the southern part, and 1203 trees in the northern part. Detailed floristic de-
scriptions and morphometric analyses were conducted in green spaces along roads,
residential areas, city parks, and recreation centers, with 2–5 sample plots of 1000
m2 established at each site during fieldwork.

Figure 1. Map of the Bukhara area. Observation sites are marked in green color.

We meticulously cataloged 44 sites, identifying species with diverse life forms

and assessing morphometric indices of woody plants. A thorough examination
of trees in various city sections revealed varying tree populations, with a focus on
species and life forms drawn from authoritative botanical resources and nomen-
clature systems (Flora of Uzbekistan 1941-1962; 2016; 2017; 2019; Central Asian
Plant Identifier 1968–1993). In our quest to identify plant species and life forms, we
consulted a range of botanical references and electronic databases to enhance our
understanding of adventive species and enrich the study of Bukhara's urban flora
 Urban floristic diversity in the arid zone: a case study of Bukhara city 201

(Christenhusz et al. 2011; APG IV 2016; Plants Names Index 2020; POWO (2023).
Additionally, we utilized electronic resources such as the IUCN Global Invasive
Species Database (2014), Global Invasive Species Database, and Invasive Species
Compendium to identify adventive species.

Result
We registered that urban vegetation comprises 42 species of trees, 21 species of
shrubs, and 70 species of herbaceous plants. We anticipate that these numbers will
continue to rise in the future. The density of urban phytocenoses in the surveyed
areas ranges from 40 to 55 species per 1000 m2, encompassing 21–28 species of
trees, 4–11 species of shrubs, and 14–28 species of herbaceous vegetation (Table 1).

Table 1. Density of urban vegetation in Bukhara

City part Species per 1000 m2

Trees Bushes Herbs Total
Northern 27 4 14 45
Southern 19 6 16 41
Western 28 8 21 57
Eastern 26 11 28 65
Central 21 6 18 45

In the last decade, Bukhara city has seen the introduction of 22 tree species and
9 shrub species, as reported by the Bukhara Department of Urban Amenities (refer
to Tables 4 and 5 for details).
The majority of these introduced species, entering the city through natural
means, have become naturalized and are now considered invasive, like Amaran-
thus viridis L., Erigeron bonariensis L., Symphyotrichum graminifolium (Spreng.)
G.L.Nesom., and Chenopodium ficifolium Sm. (Esanov 2016; Esanov, Sharipova
2020; Verkhozina et al. 2022). These species have been observed in various urban
biotopes such as roads, ditches, flower beds, alleys, lawns, cultivated fields, and oth-
er locations.
The influx of alien species naturally entering Bukhara city is on the rise. For
instance, according to Esanov (2023), Scandix australis subsp. grandiflora (L.) Thell.
was initially identified in Bukhara in 2022, and its introduction continues due to
anthropogenic influences. Additionally, we have determined the taxonomic com-
position of Bukhara's typical flora (refer to Table 2 for details).
As we studied the diversity of Bukhara's flora, we also identified the composi-
tion of introduced species (Table 3).
202 Saida M. Gafarova et al. / Acta Biologica Sibirica 10: 197–213 (2024)

Table 2. Natural flora of Bukhara

Family Species Trees Bushes Herbs

Equisetaceae Rich. ex DC. 1 - - 1
Araceae Juss. 1 - - 1
Potamogetonaceae 1 - - 1
Typhaceae Juss. 1 - - 1
Cyperaceae Juss. 4 - - 4
Poaceae Barnhart 34 - - 34
Ceratophyllaceae S. F. Gray 1 - - 1
Papaveraceae Juss. 4 - - 4
Ranunculaceae Juss. 5 - - 5
Haloragaceae R. Br. 1 - - 1
Zygophyllaceae R. Br. 2 - - 2
Fabaceae Lindl. 26 - 2 24
Rosaceae Juss. 4 - 2 2
Elaeagnaceae Juss. 1 1 - -
Urticaceae Juss. 1 - - 1
Oxalidaceae R.Br. 1 - - 1
Salicaceae Mirb. 1 1 - -
Euphorbiaceae Juss. 2 - - 2
Linaceae DC. ex Perleb 1 - - 1
Geraniaceae Juss. 2 - - 2
Nitrariaceae Lindl. 1 - - 1
Malvaceae Juss. 6 - - 6
Capparaceae Juss. 1 - - 1
Brassicaceae Burnett 24 - - 24
Frankeniaceae Desv. 1 - - 1
Tamaricaceae Link 1 - 1 -
Plumbaginaceae Juss. 1 - - 1
Polygonaceae Juss. 6 - - 6
Caryophyllaceae Juss. 7 - - 7
Amaranthaceae Juss. 34 - 2 32
Portulacaceae Juss. 1 - - 1
Rubiaceae Juss. 4 - - 4
Apocynaceae Juss. 2 - - 2
Boraginaceae Juss. 6 - - 6
Convolvulaceae Juss. 7 - - 7
Solanaceae Juss. 4 - 1 3
 Urban floristic diversity in the arid zone: a case study of Bukhara city 203

Family Species Trees Bushes Herbs

Plantaginaceae Juss. 7 - - 7
Verbenaceae J. St.-Hil. 1 - - 1
Lamiaceae Martinov 3 - - 3
Mazaceae Reveal. 1 - - 1
Asteraceae Bercht. & J.Presl 37 - - 37
Apiaceae Lindl. 6 - - 6
Total 255 2 8 245

Table 3. Introduced plant species of Bukhara

Species Trees Bushes Herbs

Acer negundo L. +
Acer platanoides L. +
Aesculus hippocastanum L. +
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle +
Albizia julibrissin Durazz. +
Catalpa bignonioides Walter +
Corylus colurna L. +
Cupressus arizonica Greene +
Cydonia oblonga Mill. +
Fаgus orientalis Lipsky +
Fraxinus lanceolata Borkh. +
Gleditsia triacanthos L. +
Juglans regia L. +
Juniperus virginiana L. +
Maclura pomifera (Raf.) C.K. Schneid. +
Mahonia × wagneri (Jouin) Rehder +
Malus domestica Borkh. +
Morus alba L. +
Morus nigra L. +
Morus rubra L. +
Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. +
Pinus brutia var. eldarica (Medw.) Silba +
Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold +
Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe +
Pinus sylvestris L. +
Platanus orientalis L. +
Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco +
204 Saida M. Gafarova et al. / Acta Biologica Sibirica 10: 197–213 (2024)

Species Trees Bushes Herbs

Populus alba L. +
Prunus cеrasus L. +
Prunus avium L. +
Prunus armeníaca L. +
Prunus domestica L. +
Prunus persica (L.) Batsch +
Prunus serrulata Lindl. +
Prunus communis L. +
Quercus robur L. +
Robinia pseudoacacia L. +
Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott +
Thuja occidentalis L. +
Tilia cordata Mill. +
Tilia europaea L. +
Ulmus parvifolia L. +
Ulmus densa Litv. +
Amоrpha fruticоsa L. +
Berberis thunbergii DC. +
Buddleja davidii Franch +
Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don +
Caesalpinia gilliesii (Wall. ex Hook.) D. Dietr. +
Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach +
Euonymus japonicus Thunb. +
Ficus cаrica L. +
Hibiscus syriacus L. +
Jacobaea maritima (L.) Pelser ex Meijden +
Kochia scoparia var. trichophylla (Hort. ex Voss) L.H. +
Bailey
Ligustrum vulgare L. +
Lonicera japonica Thunb. +
Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. +
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch +
Punica granatum L. +
Ribes nigrum L. +
Ricinus communis L. +
Rosa chinensis Jacq. +
Spartium junceum L. +
Spiraea × vanhouttei (Briot) Carriere +
 Urban floristic diversity in the arid zone: a case study of Bukhara city 205

Species Trees Bushes Herbs

Syringa vulgaris L. +
Yucca filamentosa L. +
Vitex agnus-castus L. +
Datura innoxia Mill. +
Mirabilis jalapa L. +
Helianthus annuus L. +
Cucurbita pepo L. +
Phaseolus vulgaris L. +
Zínnia elegans Jacq. +
Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet +
Aster amellus L. +
Tagetes patula L. +
Canna ×generalis L.H. Bailey & E.Z. Bailey +
Portulaca grandiflora Hook. +
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii (L.) G.L. Nesom
Total 43 24 12

The study conducted in Bukhara city revealed quantitative data related to the
composition and density of urban vegetation. The research identified 42 species of
trees, 21 species of shrubs, and 70 species of herbaceous plants in the urban areas.
The density of urban phytocenoses ranged from 40 to 55 species per 1000 m2, with
variations across different city sectors. For instance, the northern part of the city
had 27 tree species, 4 shrub species, and 14 herb species per 1000 m2, totaling 45
species. In comparison, the western part had the highest density with 28 tree spe-
cies, 8 shrub species, and 21 herb species per 1000 m2, totaling 57 species.
The introduction of adventive plants from abroad led to the naturalization of 22
tree species and 9 shrub species in the last decade. The influx of alien species, such as
Amaranthus viridis and Erigeron bonariensis, has contributed to the increase in the
number of introduced species in the city. The taxonomic composition of Bukhara's
flora included 255 species from 34 families, with a dominance of herbaceous plants.

Discussion
In recent years, the floristic biodiversity of Bukhara city has experienced a surge,
attributed to the introduction of adventive plants from abroad (Esanov, Sharipova
2020). This influx has led to a noticeable increase in the number of ornamental
trees, shrubs, and grasses within the study area. Notably, the natural introduction
of herbaceous plants into the urban flora, and their rapid spread as invasive species,
has significantly impacted biodiversity (Pyšek 1998; Lososová et al. 2012).
206 Saida M. Gafarova et al. / Acta Biologica Sibirica 10: 197–213 (2024)

According to our findings from the research carried out in 2022 (Table 2), the
botanical landscape in Bukhara boasts a rich tapestry of 255 species belonging to
42 families of naturally occurring higher plants. Among these, there are 245 her-
baceous species, 2 tree species, and 8 shrub species. This botanical composition
mirrors the characteristic profile of desert flora. The remarkable presence of tree
and shrub species within the urban setting can be attributed to the introduction of
exotic species, particularly evident in densely populated regions characterized by
high-rise structures and along major thoroughfares.
The number of ornamental species introduced into the urban flora of Bukhara
is steadily increasing as part of the city improvement program (Table 4). However,
their successful integration is hindered by the ongoing changes in urban structure
and soil and climatic conditions, which reduce the likelihood of survival for non-
native species. Consequently, the count of introduced species continues to rise.
Our findings (Table 3) reveal that the introduced vegetation comprises 79 spe-
cies from 34 families. Notably, ornamental trees (43 species, Table 4) and shrubs
(24 species, Table 5) dominate, indicating the successful acclimatization of these
species despite the arid conditions. We also determined the density of vegetation in
the study area (Table 6).
The influx of ornamental species into the urban environment of Bukhara is on a
steady incline as part of the city's ongoing beautification efforts, as indicated in Table
4. However, the seamless integration of these species is impeded by the persistent
transformations in urban infrastructure, soil composition, and climatic variations,
posing challenges to the survival prospects of non-indigenous flora. Consequently,
the tally of introduced species continues to escalate.
Our analysis, detailed in Table 3, underscores that the introduced greenery en-
compasses a total of 79 species spanning 34 families. Noteworthy is the prevalence
of ornamental trees, amounting to 43 species (refer to Table 4), and shrubs, totaling
24 species (refer to Table 5), underscoring their successful adaptation to the harsh
arid environment. Furthermore, we have quantified the vegetation density within
the research area, as elucidated in Table 6.
The study on urban floristic diversity in Bukhara city revealed significant find-
ings regarding the composition and density of vegetation in the urban areas. The
research identified 42 species of trees, 21 species of shrubs, and 70 species of her-
baceous plants, with a density ranging from 40 to 55 species per 1000 m2 across
different city sectors. The introduction of adventive plants from abroad has led to a
surge in the number of ornamental trees, shrubs, and grasses in the city, with 22 tree
species and 9 shrub species introduced in the last decade.
The influx of alien species, such as Amaranthus viridis and Erigeron bonariensis,
has been observed in various urban biotopes, indicating their successful naturaliza-
tion and invasive tendencies. The taxonomic composition of Bukhara's typical flora
was also determined, highlighting the presence of 255 species from 34 families, with
a dominance of herbaceous plants. The study further identified 79 introduced plant
species, with ornamental trees and shrubs being the most prevalent.
 Urban floristic diversity in the arid zone: a case study of Bukhara city 207

Table 4. Comparative analysis of woody plants of Bukhara city for 2009–2023

No Species According to the According to

Department of authors data
Urban Amenities (2009–2023)
data (2016–2020)
1 Acer negundo L. - +
2 Acer platanoides L. + -
3 Aesculus hippocastanum L. + +
4 Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle - +
5 Albizia julibrissin Durazz. - +
6 Catalpa bignonioides Walter + +
7 Corylus colurna L. - +
8 Cupressus arizonica Greene - +
9 Cydonia oblonga Mill. - +
10 Elaeagnus angustifólia L. - +
11 Fаgus orientalis Lipsky - +
12 Fraxinus lanceolata Borkh. - +
13 Gleditsia triacanthos L. + +
14 Juglans regia L. + +
15 Juniperus virginiana L. + +
16 Maclura pomifera (Raf) C.K. Schneid + +
17 Mahonia × wagneri (Jouin) Rehder - +
18 Malus domestica Borkh. - +
19 Morus alba L. - +
20 Morus nigra L. - +
21 Morus rubra L. - +
22 Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. + -
23 Pinus brutia var. eldarica (Medw.) Silba + +
24 Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold + +
25 Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) + +
Holmboe
26 Pinus sylvestris L. + +
27 Platanus orientalis L. - +
28 Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco + +
29 Populus alba L. - +
30 Prunus avium L. - +
31 Prunus armeníaca L. - +
32 Prunus cеrasus L. + +
33 Prunus domestica L. - +
208 Saida M. Gafarova et al. / Acta Biologica Sibirica 10: 197–213 (2024)

No Species According to the According to

Department of authors data
Urban Amenities (2009–2023)
data (2016–2020)
34 Prunus persica (L.) Batsch - +
35 Prunus serrulata Lindl. + -
36 Prunus communis L. - +
37 Quercus robur L. + +
38 Robinia pseudoacacia L. + +
39 Salix аlba L. - +
40 Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott + +
41 Thuja occidentalis L. + +
42 Tilia cordata Mill. + +
43 Tilia europaea L. - +
44 Ulmus parvifolia L. + +
45 Ulmus densa Litv. + +
Total 22 42

Table 5. Comparative analysis of shrub vegetation in Bukhara city for 2009–2023

No Species According to the According to

Department of authors data
Urban Amenities (2009–2023)
data (2016–2020)
1 Amоrpha fruticоsa L. + -
2 Berberis thunbergii DC. + -
3 Buddleja davidii Franch. + -
4 Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don - +
5 Caesalpinia gilliesii (Wall. Ex Hook.) + +
D.Dietr.
6 Chaenomeles japonica Thunb. + -
7 Euonymus japonicus Thunb. + +
8 Ficus cаrica L. - +
9 Hibiscus syriacus L. + -
10 Jacobaea maritima (L.) Pelser & Meijden - +
11 Kochia var. trichophylla (Hort. ex Voss) - +
L.H. Bailey
12 Ligustrum vulgare L. - +
13 Lonicera japonica Thunb. - +
14 Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. - +
15 Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch - +
 Urban floristic diversity in the arid zone: a case study of Bukhara city 209

No Species According to the According to

Department of authors data
Urban Amenities (2009–2023)
data (2016–2020)
16 Peganum harmala L. - +
17 Ribes nigrum L. - +
18 Ricinus communis L. - +
19 Rosa chinensis Jacq. - +
20 Rosa canina L. - +
21 Spartium junceum L. - +
22 Spiraea × vanhouttei (Briot) Carriere + -
23 Syringa vulgaris L. + +
24 Tamarix ramosissima Lebed. - +
25 Vitex agnus-castus L. - +
26 Vitis vinifera L. - +
27 Yucca filamentosa L. - +
Total 9 21

Table 6. Vegetation density in different city parts

City part Trees % from 42 Shrubs % from 21 Herbs % from 70

species species species
Northern 27 64.3 4 19.0 14 20.0
Southern 19 45.2 6 28.6 16 22.09
Western 28 66.7 8 38.1 21 30.0
Eastern 26 61.9 11 52.3 28 40.0
Central 21 50.0 6 28.6 18 25.7

The density of urban vegetation in Bukhara city was estimated to be approx-

imately 49.6 species per 1000 m2 on average, with varying distributions of trees,
shrubs, and herbaceous plants across different city parts. The uneven distribution
of vegetation types was attributed to changes in the city layout and urban structure.
The research underscores the importance of green spaces in the city and the ongo-
ing beautification efforts that contribute to the introduction and successful acclima-
tization of ornamental species in the urban environment.
The qualitative data gathered during the research in Bukhara city revealed key
patterns and trends related to the urban flora. One significant trend observed was
the successful acclimatization of introduced ornamental trees and shrubs despite
the arid conditions of the region. Another pattern identified was the uneven distri-
bution of vegetation types across different city parts, influenced by changes in urban
layout and structure.
210 Saida M. Gafarova et al. / Acta Biologica Sibirica 10: 197–213 (2024)

We believe that the uneven distribution of vegetation types in urban areas can
be attributed to the frequent changes in the city layout. On average, there are 19.96
to 27.64 species of trees, 3.92 to 8.88 species of shrubs, and 15.32 to 23.48 species
of herbaceous vegetation per 1000 m2 of the city area (see Table 6). With the total
vegetation cover of Bukhara city estimated at 2950.1 m2 103 (Gafarova, Gulamov
2021), the density of urban vegetation is approximately 49.6 species per 1000 m2 on
average.
The findings of the study align with existing theories on urban biodiversity,
ecosystem services, and the impact of human activities on plant communities. The
successful acclimatization of introduced species supports the theory of species ad-
aptation to urban environments. The study's results align with previous research
on urban vegetation diversity, especially in arid regions. The increase in introduced
species and their impact on urban flora corroborates findings from similar stud-
ies. Discrepancies in species composition and density may be attributed to local
environmental factors, urban development patterns, and the introduction of new
species over time.
In summary, the study's key findings underscore the importance of urban veg-
etation for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and community well-being in Bukhara
city. While the research contributes valuable insights, future studies should address
long-term monitoring, conservation strategies, and the ecological impacts of ur-
banization on plant diversity. The study's limitations should be considered when
interpreting the results, and the implications for future research and urban plan-
ning practices are significant for promoting sustainable urban environments in arid
regions.
Overall, our research on Bukhara's urban vegetation provides valuable insights
into the importance of green spaces in the city and the need for sustainable man-
agement and conservation strategies. Future research should focus on monitoring
changes in urban vegetation over time, assessing the impact of urbanization on
plant diversity, and exploring innovative approaches to enhance the ecosystem ser-
vices provided by green spaces in Bukhara.

Conclusion
Bukhara city's flora comprises 334 species of higher plants, including 257 species of
herbaceous plants, 32 species of shrubs, and 45 species of trees, which is character-
istic of arid zones. The average density of urban vegetation in Bukhara city is 50.60
species per 1000 m2, with 31.5% being trees (20–24 species), 15.8% shrubs (5–9
species), and 52.6% herbaceous plants (15–24 species).
In conclusion, the study on urban floristic diversity in Bukhara city provides
valuable insights into the changing landscape of urban vegetation in the region. The
introduction of adventive plants has significantly impacted the composition and
density of vegetation, with a notable increase in ornamental species. The successful
 Urban floristic diversity in the arid zone: a case study of Bukhara city 211

integration of these species, despite the arid conditions, highlights the resilience and
adaptability of urban flora in Bukhara.
Moving forward, it is essential to monitor changes in urban vegetation over
time, assess the impact of urbanization on plant diversity, and implement sustain-
able management and conservation strategies to preserve and enhance biodiversity
in Bukhara. By understanding the dynamics of urban flora and the ecosystem ser-
vices provided by green spaces, policymakers and urban planners can work towards
creating a more sustainable and resilient urban environment for the residents of
Bukhara.

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