Taxonomic Composition and Use of the Genus Satureja L., Widespread in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

Бюллетень науки и практики / Bulletin of Science and Practice

The flora of Nakhchivan is very rich and diverse, which is due to the varied climatic and geographical conditions. The flora of Nakhchivan includes many species, both endemic and common to the flora of Azerbaijan as a whole. One of the widespread families in the flora of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is the Dalamazid. The distribution of the Dalamazid family occupies an important place in the flora of this region. In semi-arid areas and mountainous regions, these plants effectively use water resources. The warm summers and cold winters of Nakhchivan determine the life cycle of these plants. Plants belonging to this family are common in various ecosystems of Nakhchivan's nature, increasing the richness of the local flora. At the same time, these plants play an important role in the local economy, especially as agricultural and medicinal plants. Dalamazid also remains one of the main elements of Nakhchivan's nature, maintaining ecological balance. The family is represented by 31 genera and 135 species. In Azerbaijan, there are 6 species of the genus, and in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, there are 2 species.

Material and methodology of the study

Studies were conducted in various areas of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic between 2024 and 2025. The study area spanned the territory from the lowlands to the upper mountain belt of the region. Species of the genus Satureja L. were used as material. The most recent taxonomic changes for species belonging to the genus Satureja L. were verified using World Flora Online .

Dıscussıon and results of the study

In the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the genus Senecio is one of the important plant groups included in the rich flora of the region. In Azerbaijan, there are 6 species of this genus, and in the flora of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, there are 2 species. The systematic composition, ecological groups, range class, altitudinal zonation, and flowering and fruiting phases of the species included in the genus are given in the table below (Table).

Table

TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION OF SPECIES OF THE GENUS Satureja L.

When analyzing the ecological groups of species specific to the genus, it was found that both belong to the ecological group of xerophytes. Based on the collected literature data and our own field studies, it has been established that the species of the genus belong to different areas, which allows us to determine their migration routes to this territory. Based on zonal and regional principles, it has been established that the species included in the genus are grouped into two areas. As noted in the table, the areas of Asia Minor and Northern Iran are represented by one species each.

Satureja L. ( Satureja hydrangea ). Plants with one or more entire leaves on short stems. Calyx bell-shaped, with 10–13 veins, two-lipped or correctly 5-toothed. The upper lip of the corolla is hollow and straight; the lower is three-lobed and folded. The lower stamens are shorter than the upper ones. Six species of the genus are common in Azerbaijan, and two species are found in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Satureja hortensis L. It is found on rocky-stony, clayey slopes and slopes of the middle mountain belt. An annual plant used as a spice and medicine. It is mainly added to dishes, has antioxidant, antimicrobial and other useful properties.

Satureja macrantha C. A. Mey. It is found on rocky-stony, clayey slopes and slopes of the middle mountain belt. It is widely used as a plant with various beneficial properties. It has a positive effect on the digestive system, especially due to its antiseptic and expectorant properties.

Numerous species of the Cyperaceae family are widespread in the mountainous and semi-arid regions of Nakhchivan. These plants are usually found on plateaus, meadows, pastures, forest edges and even on mountain slopes.

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which is mentioned as the study region, is a favorable region for xerophytic plants in terms of climatic and geographical conditions. The xerophytic ecological group of plants includes drought-resistant plants that are adapted to dry climates. They use water efficiently due to a number of adaptations. The role of xerophytes in ecosystems is very important because they protect the soil, provide food and shelter for animals, and maintain the sustainability of the natural environment. Due to their ecological and economic importance, xerophytes bring significant benefits to both nature and humans [6, 7].

Regardless of the region under study, herbaceous plants in all areas closely interact with species of a number of families and form various groups [9, 11].

Xerophytic herbaceous plants of Nakhchivan are a branch associated with the cultivation of low-water and drought-resistant plants, taking into account the arid climate and soil conditions of the region. Xerophytic plants grow in accordance with the local flora of the semi-desert and steppe zones of Nakhchivan and can be used both in agriculture and livestock breeding. Xerophytic herbaceous plants have great potential for local agriculture and farming, ensuring the efficient use of soil and water resources [1, 2, 8, 10].

Along with herbaceous plants, forest and shrub plants are widespread, forming a variety of complex ecosystems. These ecosystems play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance, providing significant support to the local flora and fauna. Thus, in the formed phytocenoses, the dominant species are plants of the families Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Rosaceae and many others [3-5].

Thus, the above does not fully reflect the features of the use of species of the genus Satureja L. We consider it appropriate to comprehensively study all the features of the genus under study in our further research.

Conclusıon

• 1.    During the conducted research it was established that in the flora of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic there are 2 species of the genus Satureja L. It was established that both species of the genus are medicinal and spicy-aromatically valuable plants.

• 2.    During the analysis of ecological groups of species included in the genus it was established that both species of the genus are xerophytes.

• 3.    According to the analysis of ranges, 1 species of the genus is found in Northern Iran, and 1 in Central Asia.

Acknowledgments: We would like to express our gratitude to Professor Dashgin Ganbarov for identifying the studied species

Financing: The research it is financed and supported on the basis of the "Herbari Fund of Biology Department of Nakhchivan State University" project.