Abstract:
In Kazakhstan, the genus Tulipa is represented by 35 species, 18 of which are listed in
the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan and protected by the state. Recent studies of tulip specimens
from regions bordering Kazakhstan emphasize the significance of species inventory and report the
discovery of several hybrids. In this study, eight tulip species were identified based on morphological
characteristics and using DNA barcoding methods. Molecular genetic markers, including nrDNA
(ITS) and cpDNA markers (rbcL, matK), of the studied species were sequenced and analyzed using the
Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis methods. Our work demonstrates
that DNA barcodes based on the ITS, rbcL, and matK marker regions have successful practical
applicability, with ITS being the most informative at the intragenic level. However, for distinguishing
closely related taxa, the most effective approach would be to use a combined dataset of sequences
from multiple DNA markers. The results showed discrepancies in the placement of several taxa
(T. kaufmanniana, T. patens), likely due to introgression and natural spontaneous hybridization. The
molecular phylogenetic analysis suggests the existence of a previously undescribed hybrid between
T. patens and T. alberti. Further detailed population studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.
