Revisiting the genus Tulipa (Liliaceae) in Kazakhstan, the country with the richest tulip diversity worldwide

The genus <i>Tulipa</i> L., belonging to the Liliaceae family, has significant economic, horticultural, and ecological importance and is culturally revered in various regions worldwide. The total number of <i>Tulipa</i> species, including 90-120 taxa, varies based on different sources. Globally, Kazakhstan has one of the highest diversities of <i>Tulipa</i> species, most of which are threatened. In this study, we update and revise the <i>Tulipa</i> species in Kazakhstan based on field observations and an extensive herbarium specimens' survey. A total of 41 taxa were identified, including 13 species endemic to Kazakhstan, among which seven species have been assessed as threatened globally. Furthermore, we gathered 1,942 occurrence records of 41 <i>Tulipa</i> taxa to analyze spatial arrangement of <i>Tulipa</i> species richness in Kazakhstan. Based on these results, we identified 22 grid cells with a high diversity of tulip species in southern Kazakhstan. We also present taxonomic key for all <i>Tulipa</i> species occurring in Kazakhstan, along with comments on their general distribution, habitat, phenology, distribution map, and conservation status. In addition, a color plate for each species is provided. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the conservation status, distribution patterns, and biodiversity of <i>Tulipa</i> species in Kazakhstan, laying a foundation for targeted conservation efforts and further research in the region.