Kazakhstan has become widely regarded as one of the primary centers of origin and genetic diversity of wild tulips (Tulipa). Among them, Tulipa greigii Regel is a prominent species distributed across Central Asia and protected in Kazakhstan due to its slow development and threats from illegal harvesting. This study investigated the plant density, morphological characteristics, and phylogenetic structure of T. greigii L. populations in the Shubaykyzyl area, Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan. Plant density assessment used the quadrat method, while the conduct of morphological analysis focused on diagnostic traits observed in natural populations. Phylogenetic relationships’ evaluation employed ITS, matK, rbcL, and psbA sequences. The density varied from nine to 36 plants (per square meter) across different sites. Morphological observations showed the species has the feature of a single erect stem, 35–50 cm tall, and large solitary red flowers 10–12 cm in diameter, with a black or yellow basal spot. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences revealed that T. greigii L. shares the highest genetic similarity with T. patens, T. alberti, and T. kaufmanniana, forming a distinct clade. These results indicate close regional genetic relationships among Central Asian tulip species and suggest a relatively recent divergence of local wild populations.

Keywords: Tulipa greigii L., genetic diversity, morphology, population density, phylogenetic analysis, ITS, chloroplast DNA

Key findings: T. greigii L. populations exhibited variable densities while retaining key diagnostic traits. Phylogenetic analysis showed the highest genetic similarity and clustered the species T. greigii L. with three closely related species (T. patens, T. alberti L., and T. kaufmanniana), exhibiting recent regional divergence in Central Asia.