Population Structure and Morphometrics of Trollius altaicus C.A. Mey and Trollius dschungaricus Regel (Ranunculaceae Juss.) from Kazakhstan

The genus Trollius L. remains insufficiently studied in Kazakhstan, necessitating comprehensive monitoring of its distribution and population status assessments. In Kazakhstan, this genus is represented by the following five species: T. asiaticus, T. altaicus, T. dschungaricus, T. lilacinus and T. komarovii. Of those, T. altaicus and T. dschungaricus are the most widely distributed. This study focuses on analyzing the population structure of Trollius altaicus and Trollius dschungaricus in relation to varying ecological and geographical conditions within Kazakhstan, along with conducting a comprehensive morphometric assessment. To study plant communities with Trollius L. species, classical geobotanical methods were applied, including the route-reconnaissance method to determine the species’ range and carry out a detailed population survey which involved the assessment of the age structure of populations and species composition of associated vegetation. Population structure analysis showed that the majority of T. altaicus plants were in the generative stage, with the right skewed age spectrum suggesting a decline in population size. Meanwhile, populations of T. dschungaricus were dominated by juvenile and virginal individuals, with the left skewed age spectrum suggesting a high regenerative potential. The morphometric analysis revealed high variability of plant height, number of leaves, flower diameter, diameter of generative bushes, number of basal leaves, and leaf length and width. The obtained results can serve as a basis for developing effective conservation and management strategies for T. altaicus and T. dschungaricus under ongoing climate change and anthropogenic impact. This research demonstrates that a detailed assessment of phenotypic characteristics is vital for formulating preservation frameworks and managing biological resources sustainably.