“PEDAGOGS”
international research journal ISSN:
2181-3027
_SJIF:
5.449
https://scientific-jl.com/ped
Volume-86, Issue-1, July -2025
9
THE ORIGIN, MORPHOLOGICAL VARIABILITY, AND CONSERVATION
PROSPECTS OF
PAEONIA HYBRIDA (FAMILY: PAEONIACEAE)
IN
NAMANGAN REGION, UZBEKISTAN
Umaraliyeva Shodiyona Farhodjon girl
Namangan State University, the 3rd year
student of the direction of biology education
Email:
shodiyononumaraliyeva738@gmail.com,
Phone:
+9989938910413
Annotation:
Paeonia hybrida,
a member of the Paeoniaceae family, is a relict
and endangered herbaceous plant found sporadically in the foothills of the Namangan
region of Uzbekistan. The species exhibits notable morphological variation, which
reflects both its evolutionary history and adaptation to changing environmental
conditions. This study investigates the taxonomic origin, morphological diversity, and
current threats to
P. hybrida
populations in Namangan, providing insight into strategies
for its preservation. Field surveys, morphometric analyses, and historical botanical data
were utilized to assess the species’ status and guide conservation efforts.
Keywords:
Paeonia hybrida, Paeoniaceae oilasi,
NCBI, Central Herbarium
NAMANGAN VILOYATIDA YO‘QOLIB BORAYOTGAN
PAEONIA
HYBRIDA
(PAEONIACEAE OILASI)
TURINING KELIB CHIQISH TARIXI,
MORFOLOGIK OʻZGARISH DARAJASI VA ISTIQBOLLARI
Annotatsiya:
Paeonia hybrida
— pionlar oilasiga mansub qadimiy va yo‘qolib
borayotgan ko‘p yillik oʻt o‘simligi boʻlib, u Namangan viloyatining togʻ oldi
hududlarida
parchalangan
holda
uchraydi.
Bu
tur
sezilarli
morfologik
oʻzgaruvchanlikka ega boʻlib, bu xususiyatlar uning evolyutsion tarixi va atrof-
muhitga moslashuvi bilan bogʻliq. Ushbu tadqiqot P. hybrida ning kelib chiqishi,
morfologik tafovutlari va mavjud xavf omillarini o‘rganib, uni saqlab qolishning
istiqbolli yo‘llarini belgilaydi. Kuzatuvlar, morfometrik tahlillar va tarixiy manbalar
asosida turlarning holati baholandi va muhofaza choralari taklif etildi.
Kalit so‘zlar:
Paeonia hybrida, Paeoniaceae oilasi,
NCBI, Central Herbarium
1.
INTRODUCTION
The genus Paeonia includes approximately 33–35 species globally, primarily
distributed across Eurasia and western North America [1]. Paeonia hybrida, endemic
to Central Asia and the Caucasus region, represents one of the lesser-studied but
biologically significant species within this genus [2]. In Uzbekistan, especially in the
“PEDAGOGS”
international research journal ISSN:
2181-3027
_SJIF:
5.449
https://scientific-jl.com/ped
Volume-86, Issue-1, July -2025
10
Namangan region, this species is under growing threat due to habitat degradation,
overgrazing, and climate-related changes [3].
The species’ historical distribution in Namangan dates back to the early
floristic explorations of the 19th century, yet comprehensive studies on its local
populations remain limited. The need for an in-depth investigation into the origin,
morphological variability, and conservation of P. hybrida has become pressing due to
rapid environmental changes and its declining population numbers.
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1 Study Area:
Fieldwork was conducted during spring the foothill zones of
the Pop and Chust districts of the Namangan region, located between 1000–1600
meters above sea level. The region is characterized by semi-arid climate, brown-
calcareous soils, and moderately steep slopes.
2.2 Sampling and Morphological Analysis:
A total of 30 specimens were
collected and studied in situ. Morphometric traits analyzed included stem height, leaf
lobe count, flower diameter, and petal color intensity. Measurements were taken using
calipers and image analysis software. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA
to assess intraspecific variability.
2.3 Historical and Genetic Data Review:
Floristic literature, herbarium
specimens from the Central Herbarium of Uzbekistan, and genetic data from NCBI
GenBank were reviewed to trace the taxonomic origin and genetic links of P. hybrida
populations.
3. RESULTS
3.1 Taxonomic Origin and Historical Background;
Paeonia hybrida is
believed to have diverged from a common ancestor shared with Paeonia tenuifolia and
Paeonia officinalis during the late Miocene epoch [4]. Morphological traits suggest an
ancient hybridization event, likely between Central Asian peony species, which gave
rise to its current intermediate phenotype.
3.2 Morphological Variability:
The study revealed notable morphological
variation within local populations: Stem height ranged from 25–45 cm. Leaf
morphology varied from tripinnate to deeply lobed simple leaves. Flower diameter
ranged between 6–9 cm, predominantly pink to purplish-red. Petal count varied from
6 to 10, with rare occurrences of double-flowered individuals. Environmental stress
factors such as grazing and soil erosion were correlated with stunted growth and
reduced flower size in marginal populations.
3.3 Threats and Decline:
Several threats to P. hybrida populations were
documented: Overgrazing and trampling by livestock in spring. Collection of plants
for ornamental and medicinal purposes. Fragmentation of habitats due to agricultural
expansion. Population density was estimated at 5–8 individuals per 100 m², indicating
a severely fragmented structure and possible genetic bottleneck.
“PEDAGOGS”
international research journal ISSN:
2181-3027
_SJIF:
5.449
https://scientific-jl.com/ped
Volume-86, Issue-1, July -2025
11
4. DISCUSSION
The findings suggest that Paeonia hybrida in Namangan represents a
genetically and morphologically distinct lineage that has undergone adaptation to dry,
rocky slopes of the region. Its historical divergence from related taxa, alongside recent
ecological pressures, has led to unique phenotypic traits and high intra-population
variation [5].
The fragmentation and decline in population size indicate the species may face
reduced reproductive success and lower genetic diversity. Conservation strategies
should focus on in situ protection, including grazing regulation and public awareness
programs, as well as ex situ propagation in botanical gardens and research stations.
Additionally, P. hybrida holds potential as a medicinal and ornamental species, which
could aid in promoting its conservation through sustainable cultivation efforts [6].
CONCLUSION
Paeonia hybrida is a biologically and ecologically significant species native to
the Namangan region, showing high morphological variability and signs of historical
hybrid origin. Its existence is currently threatened by anthropogenic factors and habitat
fragmentation. Immediate action is needed to prevent further decline, including
conservation zoning, ecological monitoring, and sustainable use. Future research
should prioritize genetic studies and restoration ecology to ensure the long-term
survival of this emblematic plant.
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