Systematic, Morphological and Phylogenetic Features of the Family Boraginaceae Juss. and the Genus Lappula L.

The family Boraginaceae Juss. (Borage family) is one of the most morphologically diverse and large taxa of flowering plants, while the genus Lappula L. is among the most taxonomically complex groups in the flora of arid regions. This article summarizes the systematic position, morphological and ecological characteristics of the family Boraginaceae, as well as the current taxonomic and phylogenetic status of the genus Lappula, and provides a comparative morphological analysis of eight Lappula species recorded in the flora of Uzbekistan. Using a comparative-analytical approach based on classical and modern floristic literature, the APG IV system, and international taxonomic databases, the vegetative and generative organs of the genus, fruit (ereme) micromorphology, gynobasis structure, and ecological adaptations were studied. The species reliably differ from one another primarily in stem branching, leaf shape and indumentum, corolla size, gynobasis type, cicatrix position, and the number, shape, and arrangement of spines on the eremes. Lappula squarrosa was found to be the most widespread and ecologically adaptable species; L. sinaica and L. sessiliflora exhibit pronounced xerophytic characteristics; while heteroeremocarpia was confirmed in L. microcarpa and L. drobovii. The results improve the diagnostic basis for the identification of the genus Lappula in Central Asia and contribute to assessing the systematic significance of the genus and conserving plant diversity in the flora of Uzbekistan.

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