The project "Creation of a central database on plant diversity in Uzbekistan" was launched in January 2013. To date, the database contains information from about 45,000 herbarium sheets stored in the Central Herbarium of Uzbekistan. An initial diagram of the Ugam-Chatkal National Park's flora illustration guide has been developed, which includes descriptions and photographs of about 300 of the most common and remarkable plant species in the protected area.

Lola Vvedenskiy. The foothills of the Fergana Valley.

In March, the project launched field expeditions to various regions of Uzbekistan (Tashkent, Namangan, Jizzakh, Samarkand, Navoi and Bukhara regions) to collect materials for the database. The route network covers the western slopes of the Chatkal ridge, the northern part of the Fergana Valley, the Nurata Mountains and the outskirts of the southeastern Kyzylkum. The condition, distribution and population of tulips, irises, junipers, geese and other species of spring flora were studied.

Greig lolasi. Chatkal ridge.

There are more than 50 growth points of rare species listed in the Red Data Book of Uzbekistan. A new, previously unknown population of Vveden tulips has been found in the northern foothills of the Fergana Valley, while a previously unknown population of Fergana tulips has been recorded in the foothills near Andijan (Bogishamol). Photographs of more than 50 plant species were taken for the database, and planting material was also collected to complement the living collection of the Botanical Garden.

A few more amazing floral photos, including: Kaufman Tulip - Chatkal Ridge; Lola Korolkov - Nurata ridge; Appropriate tulip - Nurata ridge; Juno Samarkand - Nurata ridge.
Materials for this edition were provided by Natalya Beshko.