Urban floristic diversity in the arid zone: a case study of Bukhara city

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, suggesting their successful acclimatization despite the arid conditions. The research emphasized the importance 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 adaptability 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.

Keywords

• floristic diversity
• flora
• minimum range
• botanical-geographical method