Integrative Taxonomy of Nitraria (Nitrariaceae), Description of the New Enigmatic Species and Key to All Currently Known Species

A new species, Nitraria iliensis sp. nov., is described from the Ili basin, Almaty region, Kazakhstan. It belongs to section Nitraria ser. Sibiricae and is morphologically similar to N. sibirica Pall. An integrative taxonomic approach based on molecular, biochemical and morphological analyses, along with palynological data, was used to delimit this new species. The studied species of the genus are illustrated, and photographs of authentic specimens of the new species, as well as a distribution map of the new species and segregate taxa, are provided. Morphological characters were investigated, more important traits for identification were found, and a new key to distinguish between all species of the genus was prepared.

Automated summary

A new species, Nitraria iliensis sp. nov., is discovered in the Ili basin, Almaty region, Kazakhstan. It is similar to N. sibirica Pall in morphology and belongs to section Nitraria ser. Sibiricae. This study utilizes an integrative taxonomic approach, combining molecular, biochemical, and morphological analyses, as well as palynological data, to define this new species. The article presents illustrations of the studied species, photographs of authentic specimens of the new species, and a distribution map of the new species and related taxa. Morphological characters were examined, important identification traits were identified, and a new key to differentiate between all species of the genus was developed.