Study of the Geographical Distribution, Ecological–Biological Characteristics, and Economic Value of Rosa acicularis Lindl., Rosa laxa Retz., and Rosa spinosissima L. (Rosaceae) in Kazakhstan’s Part of the Altai Mountains

Abstract

This article presents the results of a comprehensive study on Rosa acicularis Lindl., Rosa laxa Retz., and Rosa spinosissima L. growing in the sharply continental climate of the Kazakhstan Altai under diverse ecological and phytocenotic conditions. All three wild rose species show notable ecological plasticity, allowing them to thrive in heterogeneous environments. A total of 41 populations were recorded: 12 of R. acicularis, 13 of R. laxa, and 16 of R. spinosissima, with vertical distribution ranging from 404 to 1837 m a.s.l. Nine populations where each species dominates its plant community were selected as model sites to assess ecological, biological, and economic traits. For each population, the floristic composition and structure were described, and morphometric, resource, and physiological indicators were evaluated. Significant phenotypic variation was noted in plant height, bush diameter, leaf traits, and fruit morphology and taste. Under natural conditions, industrial thickets are mainly formed by R. laxa in the Southern Altai and by R. spinosissima in the Southwestern Altai due to their wide distribution and high plant density. Fruit weight ranged from 2.23 to 2.47 g (R. acicularis), 2.28 to 2.68 g (R. laxa), and 2.17 to 2.55 g (R. spinosissima), values generally lower than those previously reported. Based on coefficients of variation for intra-population diversity in morphological and quantitative traits, several promising populations were identified. These populations hold potential for selecting valuable forms for breeding programs and for establishing a regionally adapted gene pool.

1. Introduction

The study of biological diversity represents one of the most critical challenges in modern natural sciences, with its relevance heightened by the global changes occurring in the biosphere under the influence of increasing anthropogenic pressure on ecosystems. These changes primarily affect soil and plant cover, which constitute the fundamental elements of any biogeocenosis. At present, there are virtually no ecosystems or plant communities that have remained unaffected by human activity, leading to a decline in both the species richness of phytocenoses and the overall diversity of vascular plants. Meanwhile, wild flora not only serves as a valuable reservoir of genetic resources but also holds significant economic importance. In this context, the conservation of biodiversity has been elevated to a global priority. At the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the enduring value of biodiversity and the necessity of its preservation on a global scale were formally recognized [1]. Furthermore, the International Treaty on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture [2], signed by 157 countries, including Kazakhstan, established the following strategic objectives for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity: conducting comprehensive inventories of biological diversity, assessing its current state, and monitoring the status of components of biological and landscape diversity.

Wild species of the genus Rosa L., commonly referred to as rose hips, are considered among the most valuable underutilized shrubs in the world flora due to their ecological resilience and diverse applications in food, medicine, and horticulture. They are valued for their ornamental, fruit-bearing, and medicinal properties, and are notable for their capacity to form interspecific hybrids and small, locally adapted hereditary units [3]. Historically, wild rose species have been widely utilized for both nutritional and therapeutic purposes. In particular, their leaves, flowers, and fruits are incorporated into the preparation of various foods and products such as desserts, jellies, jams, ice cream, syrups, and beverages [4].

Recent reviews of scientific publications highlight the broad biological utility of wild rose extracts, which demonstrate anti-cancer [5], anti-diabetic [6], cardioprotective [7], and antioxidant properties [8]. This diverse biological activity is largely attributed to the high levels of phytochemicals present in wild rose fruits, including ascorbic acid, polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamin E [9].

From a botanical perspective, the center of origin of the genus Rosa, belonging to the family Rosaceae Juss., is believed to be located in the Sino-Japanese floristic region and its adjacent areas in Central Asia, as well as in the Near Eastern center [10]. Globally, between 250 and 400 species of wild rose have been identified [11].

Within the Republic of Kazakhstan, according to the Flora of Kazakhstan (1961) [12], 21 species of wild rose are recognized. Notably, eight species—Rosa acicularis Lindl., R. alberti Regel, R. laxa Retz., R. majalis Herrm., R. xanthina Lindl., R. oxyantha M. Bieb., R. potentilliflora Chrshan. E. Popov, and R. spinosissima L.—are found within the mountain ecosystems of the Kazakhstan Altai. This region is characterized by a high diversity of plant genetic resources. The wild rose species in this area occur across a range of habitats, including sparse coniferous and birch forests, river valleys and banks, shrub thickets, mountain gorges, steppe mountain slopes, and steppe meadows [13,14].

The Southern Altai mountain system, situated at the confluence of the borders with Russia, Mongolia, and China, exhibits an altitudinal gradient ranging from 600–700 m above sea level in the western and southwestern foothills to 1500–3400 m in the south and 2000–2500 m in the northeast. The climate is sharply continental, with climatic features determined by altitudinal zonation and the influence of humid northwestern Atlantic air masses, resulting in annual precipitation ranging from 400 mm in the foothills to 800–1000 mm in the mountain–forest belt. The Southern Altai represents the coldest region within the Kazakhstan Altai [15].

The Western Altai is characterized by a system of high ridges (1500–2800 m a.s.l.) and lower mountain and piedmont areas (500–700 m a.s.l.). The climate is sharply continental, featuring cold, extended winters, hot summers, and significant diurnal, seasonal, and annual air temperature fluctuations. Annual precipitation varies from 400 to 550 mm in the west to up to 1500 mm at the upper forest limit in the eastern and northeastern parts of the region [16,17].

The Kalbinsky Altai, formed by the Kalbinsky Range, reaches absolute altitudes of 400–1600 m a.s.l., with a predominantly low-mountain relief and slight hilliness at its periphery. The climate is sharply continental, with average July temperatures of +19 to +22 °C and average January temperatures ranging from −14 to −19 °C. Compared to the Southern and Western Altai, the low-mountain Kalbinsky Altai is characterized by relatively lower moisture levels, with average annual precipitation ranging from 280 to 400 mm and a summer precipitation maximum that shifts towards spring [18,19].

Recent scientific research on various rose species has expanded significantly in many countries, driven by their multipurpose properties, including ornamental, food, and medicinal uses [20,21,22,23,24]. However, the study of natural wild rose populations in Kazakhstan has not received the same level of attention compared to other fruit plant species [25,26,27]. This highlights a gap in knowledge, particularly regarding the ecological, biological, and economic characteristics of wild roses in Kazakhstan, and specifically in Kazakhstan’s part of the Altai Mountains. Given the significant role that rose hips play in various sectors, we conducted population studies on three species—R. acicularis Lindl., R. laxa Retz., and R. spinosissima L.—growing in the wilds of Kazakhstan’s part of the Altai Mountains.

The aim of this study was to investigate the ecological and phytocenotic conditions of populations of R. acicularis Lindl., R. laxa Retz., and R. spinosissima L. in their natural habitats in the Kazakhstani sector of the Altai Mountains. Specifically, we sought to determine morphometric and physiological parameters to assess population-level phenotypic variation in response to local environmental conditions, as well as to evaluate the resource potential of these species. The results of this study are particularly relevant in the context of anthropogenic pressures and climate change, which significantly impact the region’s flora. Moreover, the findings have practical implications, providing a foundation for assessing biodiversity and developing strategies for its sustainable use and conservation.

2. Materials and Methods

Objects and territory of study: This study focused on three Rosa L. species—R. acicularis, R. spinosissima, and R. laxa—within the phytobiota of Kazakhstan’s Altai region. The geographical context of this study encompassed the Kalbinsky, Southwest, and South Altai regions within Kazakhstan’s part of the Altai Mountains (Figure 1).

Due to the extensive and topographically complex nature of the study areas, coupled with limited road access, the geographic distribution of the target Rosa species was investigated using the route-reconnaissance method [28]. Field trips were conducted during 2023–2024 to delineate the distribution of the target Rosa species populations. During the investigation of 41 natural populations representing three Rosa species within the Kazakhstan Altai Mountains, a targeted experimental sample comprising nine populations (hereafter, Pop1–Pop9) was established (Figure 1). This selection was based on discernible ecological-phytocenotic and morphometric characteristics, variations in the floristic composition of associated plant communities, as well as differences in the spatial distribution and extent of the occupied habitat. The experimental sample encompassed three populations of R. acicularis (Pop1–Pop3), three populations of R. laxa (Pop4–Pop6), and three populations of R. spinosissima (Pop7–Pop9), on which subsequent analyses of ecological–biological and economic indicators were performed.

The coordinate points of all populations of R. acicularis, R. spinosissima, and R. laxa identified during the field studies were recorded using a Garmin™ eTrex 32x GPS device (Garmin Ltd., Olathe, KS, USA, 2019). These data were subsequently entered onto a map using the QGIS program (version 3.-26.-1), formatted into an electronic meta-database, and posted on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility platform [29].

Data assessment and statistics: Plant community descriptions involving the studied species were conducted using geobotanical methods [30], with vascular plant nomenclature verified against Plants of the World Online (POWO 2024) [31]. Resource surveys employed test plots (10 m², n = 5–10 per thicket) to determine raw material reserve density, extrapolated to the total area and assessed by projective cover [32,33]. Local abundance [34] was determined per each population using A.C.F.O.R. scale [35]. For morphometric analysis, 50 randomly selected plants per species were collected at mass ripening in August. Fruit length and width (±0.1 mm) and weight (3 samples of 50 fruits, ±0.01 g) were measured, and fruit color was described using the MacAdam scale (1974) [36]. Vegetative morphological studies involved measuring height, diameter, leaf length, width, and area in at least 10 thickets per population (≥20 m apart) using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 for data processing. The horizontal projection area of shrubs relative to a 100 m² plot was visually estimated in five replicates, followed by the calculation of the average canopy closure value for each population. To determine the biomass of aboveground plants, we used the direct sampling method. The plots of 5 m² were selected within each population with five replicates. Plant biomass was collected from each plot, placed into separate containers, and weighed and presented in g/m². The thickness of the plant cover was calculated with arithmetic ruler (cm). Plant productivity (fruits/plant) was assessed by complete harvesting and weighting of fruits from a single shrub, with five replicates per population. The operational reserve (tonn) was calculated by multiplying the yield per unit area (ha) by the total area occupied by the species. Volume of possible raw material collection (tonn) was calculated as thicket area × plants density × average yield per plant.

Field-based physiological parameters, including total water content, mobile moisture content, leaf water-holding capacity, transpiration activity, and heat resistance, were assessed. Total water content and water-holding capacity were determined following Semenyutina et al. (2016) [37]. The formula for the total leaf water content (W) was as follows:

$$W=100\times {\displaystyle \frac{(M-M_2)}{M}}$$

where M is a fresh sample mass; and M₂ is the mass of the sample after full drying. The water holding capacity of leaves (R) was calculated using the following formula:

$$R=100\times {\displaystyle \frac{(M_1-M_2)}{M}}$$

where M is a fresh sample mass; M₁ is the mass of the sample after 3 h at room temperature; and M₂ is the mass of the sample after full drying. The content of “mobile” water in leaves (L) was calculated as follows:

$$L=W-R$$

where W is a total leaf water content and R is a water holding capacity. Water regime parameters were evaluated from May to September using the scale of Vdovina et al. (2023) [38]. Data collected over five months from nine populations of three Rosa species were analyzed using correlation analysis and ANOVA in R.

3. Results

Geographical distribution and habitat characteristics of studied Rosa L. populations in the Kazakhstan Altai: Field route-reconnaissance surveys within the Kazakhstan Altai mountainous region identified the locations of 41 natural populations of the studied wild rose species (Table S1). The geographic distribution of these populations, comprising 12 populations of R. acicularis, 13 of R. laxa, and 16 of R. spinosissima, is illustrated in Figure 1. These populations were found to be situated on southeastern, southwestern, northwestern, and northeastern slopes of various mountain ranges within Kazakhstan’s Altai, including Eastern Kalba, Ubinsky, Ivanovsky, Lineisky, Prokhodnoy Belok, Western Listvyaga, Narymsky, Kurchumsky, Azutau, South Altai Tarbagatai, and the Bukhtarma Mountains.

Spatial distribution patterns across the geographical regions of Kazakhstan’s Altai were evident for each species. R. acicularis in the Kalbinsky Altai was primarily associated with the southeastern and northwestern slopes, within a vertical distribution range of 587–627 m above sea level (m a.s.l.), and its populations were located in sparse herbaceous birch forests and herbaceous shrub meadows. In the Southwestern Altai, this species predominantly occurred on southwestern slopes of mountain ridges in herbaceous bushy moderately moist meadows, at altitudes ranging from 448–927 m a.s.l.; while in the Southern Altai, occurrences were noted on northwestern foothills within sparse forest formations at altitudes of 404–1203 m a.s.l.

R. laxa distribution within the Kazakhstan Altai was restricted to the Kalbinsky and Southern Altai regions, specifically on the southwestern and northwestern lower mountain slopes of the Narymsky, Kurchumsky, and Eastern Kalba ranges, with a vertical distribution range of 402.0 to 657 m a.s.l., primarily in steppe-like bushy meadows.

R. spinosissima exhibited a widespread distribution throughout the Kazakhstan Altai territory. Populations of this species were recorded on the northeastern, southeastern, and southwestern slopes, with a broad vertical distribution range spanning from 448 to 1837 m a.s.l. Individuals of this species predominantly formed thickets in moderately moist meadows or within sparse forest communities.

Morphologically, all three Rosa species were characterized as tall shrubs, attaining heights of up to 2 m, with thorn-armed branches and odd-pinnately compound leaves. The flowers were large and solitary, exhibiting five petals with coloration that ranged from pink (Figure 2A) to yellowish-white (Figure 2B) and white (Figure 2C).

The dominant soil type across the study areas was identified as light chestnut soil, which formed the background for a vertical soil spectrum characteristic of the Kazakhstan Altai region. This spectrum included dark chestnut soils, steppe and forest–steppe chernozems, gray forest soils, mountain taiga acidic soils, and mountain–meadow chernozems.

The experimental sample encompassed three populations of R. acicularis (Pop1–Pop3), three populations of R. laxa (Pop4–Pop6), and three populations of R. spinosissima (Pop7–Pop9) (

Table 1. Sampling of populations of Rosa acicularis, Rosa laxa, and Rosa spinosissima for ecological–biological, morphometric, physiological, and resource studies in the Kazakhstan Altai region.

Species Name	Population	Population Location	Latitude	Longitude	Altitude Above Sea Level	Area, ha	Plant Community
Rosa acicularis	Pop1	Kalbinsky Altai, Eastern Kalba ridge, northwestern slope, valley of the Baichi river	49.8269	82.5269	620.0	23.5	Forb–shrub moderately moist meadow
	Pop2	Southwestern Altai, Ubinsky ridge, southwestern foothills, Zhuravlikha river valley, close to Krolchatnik village	50.4217	83.4978	913.0	63.0	Forb–grass shrubby meadows
	Pop3	Southwestern Altai, Ubinsky ridge, southwestern foothills, Ubinka river valley, close to Zimovye village	50.3069	82.8588	448.0	35.0	Mixed moderately humid shrubby forest
Rosa laxa	Pop4	Narymsky Ridge, southwestern slope, Kanai tract, Kanasai River valley	49.0486	84.0650	408.0	12.5	Steppe shrub–forb meadows
	Pop5	Narymsky Ridge, northwestern slope, near the village Kokterek, Kudassai tract, Kudas River	49.1086	84.4389	578.0	5.0	Steppe shrub–forb meadows
	Pop6	Kurchumsky Ridge, southwestern foothills of the Kurchum River valley	48.5896	83.5764	578.0	40.0	Shrub thickets in steppe areas of the meadow
Rosa spinosissima	Pop7	Southwestern Altai, Ivanovsky ridge, northwestern foothills, Shirokiy Log tract	50.2900	83.5556	976.0	35.0	Forb–cereal moderately moist shrubby meadow
	Pop8	Spurs of the Ivanovsky ridge, Mount Gavrina, northeastern slope, Seroluzhanskaya village	50.36806	83.9042	1216.0	23.0	Sparse aspen–birch bush forest
	Pop9	Southwestern Altai, Ubinsky ridge, southwestern foothills, Ubinka river valley, near the Zimovye village	50.3069	82.8588	448.0	12.5	Forb–cereal moderately moist shrubby meadow

).

At the initial stage of the investigation, geobotanical descriptions were conducted within the selected experimental sample, which comprised three populations each of R. acicularis, R. laxa, and R. spinosissima from diverse geographical regions of the Kazakhstan Altai.

In the Kalbinsky Altai, on the Eastern Kalba Range, R. acicularis (Pop1) functioned as a landscape-forming species, establishing independent thickets across a total area of 23.5 ha (Table 1). Within the vegetation cover of this population, R. acicularis constituted up to 65%; the soil type was light chestnut. In the Southwestern Altai, on the Ubinsky Range (Pop2), individuals of this species occurred in patches, with moderate inter-patch distances, ranging from 6 to 12 m in diameter. These patches occupied open areas spanning 63 ha, with R. acicularis representing 44.5% of the community composition; the soil type was mountain meadow chernozem. In Pop3, wild roses grew under the canopy of tall trees, forming scattered, individual bushes across 35.0 ha, with R. acicularis contributing up to 23.7% to the vegetation cover; the soil type was mountain chernozem.

R. laxa (Pop4–Pop5) in the Southern Altai was observed in very dense groups, ranging from 5–12 m in diameter, formed by several clonal individuals across a total area of 17.5 ha, with the wild rose accounting for up to 45% of the vegetation; the soil type was mountain meadow chernozem. Pop6 was characterized by monospecific, dense groups of varying sizes, originating from multiple clonal individuals, occupying 40 ha on extensive leveled ancient deposits of the Kurchum River. Within the vegetation cover of this community, R. laxa constituted 67%; the soil type was mountain meadow chernozem.

R. spinosissima in the forb–grass bushy meadows (Pop7 and Pop9) of the Southwestern Altai formed independent, dense thickets across a total area of 47.5 ha in open areas. The contribution of the wild rose to the vegetation cover was 56.8%, with mountain meadow chernozem as the soil type. In the sparse aspen–birch bushy forest (Pop9), the wild rose grew across 23 ha as solitary bushes or discrete, expanded groups ranging from 5.0 to 12 m in diameter. The species’ contribution to the vegetation cover was 17.3%, with mountain–forest chernozem as the soil type.

Phytocenotic characterization of nine selected Rosa populations: During the geobotanical surveys, the floristic composition of vascular plants and their abundance, according to the Drude scale, were determined within the plant community of each experimental population of the studied species. The floristic compositions of the plant communities associated with R. acicularis, R. laxa, and R. spinosissima are presented in Table S2.

Detailed phytocenotic analysis revealed distinct structural characteristics in the vegetation cover of the studied wild rose populations. In R. acicularis, the formation of population structure involved trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, whereas in R. laxa, only shrubs and herbaceous plants were significant components. Within the shrub layer, both R. acicularis and R. laxa acted as dominant and indicator species, with other shrubs representing associated species. The canopy closure of the shrub layer in Pop1–Pop3 ranged from 03 to 06, with a projective cover of 50.0–70.0%. In Pop4–Pop6, these values varied from 0.2 to 0.9, with a cover of 35.0–60.0%, respectively (Table S2).

The herbaceous layer was well-developed and clearly stratified into three sub-layers across all populations. In R. acicularis (Pop1–Pop3), the canopy closure of the herbaceous layer ranged from 0.3 to 0.8, with a total projective cover of 95–100% and a combined floristic composition of 51 species, including solitary individuals of Betula pendula. The structure and appearance of the herbaceous layer associated with R. acicularis were shaped by dominant species such as Brachypodium pinnatum, Calamagrostis epigeios, Origanum vulgare L., and Carex pediformis var. macroura (Meinsh.) Kük. In R. laxa (Pop4–Pop6), the total projective cover of the herbaceous layer ranged from 0.2 to 0.7, with a cover of 35.0–60.0%, and the floristic composition comprised 46 species of flowering plants. The structure and appearance of the herbaceous layer associated with R. laxa were defined by the dominant species Phragmites australis and Calamagrostis epigeios and the sub-dominant species Mentha longifolia var. asiatica, Althaea officinalis, and Leymus angustus. The remaining herbaceous plants in these communities were associated species, predominantly montane–steppe mesoxerophytes (Table S2).

The ground cover was well-established in all populations, particularly in R. laxa Pop4 and Pop5, where its thickness reached 10–15 cm and its biomass was 399.63 ± 11.34 g/m² and 296.90 ± 22.64 g/m², respectively. Only in Pop6 was the ground cover poorly represented, with a biomass of 36.6 ± 4.51 g/m². The floristic composition of the thickets in the three R. spinosissima populations (Pop7–Pop9) comprised 57 species. The vegetation cover was well-developed with distinct stratification and a total projective cover of 90–100%. Solitary individuals of Betula pendula and Populus tremula were occasionally observed in the tree layer. In the shrub layer, R. spinosissima was the dominant species in all three populations, with a canopy closure of 07–08 and a cover contribution of 50.0% in Pop7 and 70.0% in Pop8 and Pop9. At the periphery of the communities in Pop7 and Pop8, dense thickets of Daphne altaica were noted, where this species acted as a sub-dominant; other shrubs were associated species. The herbaceous layer was well-developed and consistently three-layered. Among the herbaceous plants, the dominant species were Chamaenerion angustifolium, Artemisia glauca, Calamagrostis epigeios, Brachypodium pinnatum, and Carex macroura; the remaining species were associated, represented by montane–steppe and montane–forest mesophytes and montane–steppe mesoxerophytes. The ground cover was formed, with a thickness ranging from 8.0 cm to 19.0 cm, and its biomass in Pop7–Pop9 was 369.5 ± 27.49 g/m², 310.9 ± 30.07 g/m², and 219.8 g/m², respectively (Table S2).

Considering the significant value of wild roses fruits (rose hips) as sources of vitamin-rich raw materials, a resource assessment of fruit yield was conducted in the experimental populations of R. acicularis, R. laxa, and R. spinosissima to identify potentially productive thickets for economic utilization (

Table 2. The resource assessment of the potential productivity of fresh fruits in the experimental populations of Rosa acicularis, Rosa laxa, and Rosa spinosissima collected in the Kazakhstan Altai in 2024.

Population	Area, ha		Number of Plants, Count./m2	Productivity, kg/Plant	Yield, kg/ha	Operational Reserve, Tonn	Volume of Possible Raw Material Collection, Tonn
	Total	Occupied by the Species
	R. acicularis
Pop1	23.5	15.3	0.12	0.39	468.00	7.160	5.728
Pop2	63.0	28.0	0.22	0.32	704.00	19.712	15.770
Pop3	35.0	8.3	0.05	0.15	150.00	12.450	4.814
	R. laxa
Pop4	12.5	5.6	0.20	0.41	820.00	4.592	3.684
Pop5	5.0	2.3	0.15	0.32	495.65	1.104	0.883
Pop6	40.0	26.8	0.38	0.47	1786.01	47.865	38.292
	R. spinosissima
Pop7	35.0	17.5	0.28	0.52	1456.00	25.480	20.384
Pop8	23.0	11.5	0.31	0.45	1395.04	16.043	12.834
Pop9	12.5	8.75	0.09	0.28	252.00	2.205	1.764

).

Resource potential and morphological variation of three wild rose species. The data obtained indicated a substantial fluctuation in the productivity of wild rose thickets during the observation year across the experimental populations of all studied species: R. acicularis exhibited a range of 150 to 704 kg/ha; R. laxa, from 495.65 to 1786.01 kg/ha; and R. spinosissima, from 252.0 to 1395.04 kg/ha (Table 2). The most productive populations, attributed to high fruit yields, were identified as Pop2 for R. acicularis and Pop8 for R. spinosissima in the Southwestern Altai, and Pop6 for R. laxa in the Southern Altai flora. Based on the research findings, industrial-scale thickets of the three studied wild rose species are formed by R. laxa in Southern Altai flora and R. spinosissima in Southwestern Altai.

Concurrently with the determination of resource potential, a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the morphometric parameters of vegetative and generative organs of the wild roses was conducted in the experimental populations. The investigations revealed that the wild rose phenotypes varied in height, bush diameter, leaf size and area, fruit shape, color, and taste (

Table 3. Morphometric parameters of vegetative and generative organs of Rosa acicularis, Rosa laxa, and Rosa spinosissima in experimental populations in Kazakhstan Altai.

Parameter	Rosa acicularis			Rosa laxa			Rosa spinosissima
	Pop1	Pop2	Pop3	Pop4	Pop5	Pop6	Pop7	Pop8	Pop9
Qualitative characteristics
Bush shape	Erect	Spreading	Spreading	Spreading	Spreading	Spreading	Oval	Spreading	Spreading
Amount of thorns	High	Moderate	High	High	High	Moderate	High	Moderate	High
Coloring of the leaf surface	Green	Green and light green	Green	Green and light green	Green	Green	Green and light green	Green	Green and light green
Fruit shape	Ovoid or elliptical, narrowed at the base	Elliptical, tapering at the base	Ovoid or elliptical, narrowed at the base	Oval or elliptical, tapering at the base	Oval, tapering at the base	Oval, tapering at the base	Rounded-flattened	Rounded-flattened	Rounded-flattened
Hypanthium coloring	Dark cherry	Orange-red	Bright orange	Red	Dark cherry	Raspberry	Black- brown	Black	Black-brown
Flavor profile	Sweet with a hint of sourness	Sweet with a slight sourness	Bland-sweet	Sweet-mealy	Bland-sweet	Sweet-mealy	Sweet-mealy	Sweet, slightly astringent	Sweet, slightly astringent
Quantitative characteristics
Bush height, cm	142.30 ± 5.45	115.7 ± 5.21	155.80 ± 3.12	167.10 ± 4.15	166.40 ± 4.87	155.20 ± 5.12	218.20 ± 5.15	151.50 ± 5.45	203.40 ± 4.29
Bush diameter, cm	103.30 ± 3.60	100.5 ± 3.79	124.20 ± 4.02	141.70 ± 4.67	151.70 ± 4.67	137.40 ± 9.80	196.70 ± 3.62	144.60 ± 10.30	185.90 ± 5.45
Leaf length, cm	5.71 ± 0.58	3.41 ± 0.30	3.72 ± 0.15	3.75 ± 0.21	4.73 ± 0.15	3.48 ± 0.12	3.50 ± 1.94	3.47 ± 2.03	3.06 ± 1.54
Leaf width, cm	1.54 ± 0.08	1.63 ± 0.11	1.72 ± 0.12	1.56 ± 0.0.08	2.67 ± 0.21	2.16 ± 0.12	1.90 ± 1.87	1.27 ± 1.96	1.21 ± 1.07
Leaf area, cm2	39.09 ± 1.25	38.91 ± 4.65	36.90 ± 6.65	53.15 ± 7.65	50.62 ± 7.64	47.87 ± 6.46	20.17 ± 2.46	19.51 ± 3.68	18.71 ± 2.97

).

Among the primary morphological characteristics of wild roses related to growth was the bush structure. A spreading bush form with high thorniness predominated in all populations of the studied wild rose species (Table 3). Spineless forms were not observed in the natural environment. In all three species, thorns were distributed along the entire shoot, although they were most densely concentrated in the lower part of R. acicularis. Visual examination revealed variation in the color palette of the cynarrhodia. The predominant variations in the color of mature fruits observed were dark cherry in Pop1, orange-red in Pop2, and bright orange in Pop3 for R. acicularis; red (Pop4), dark cherry (Pop5), and crimson (Pop 6) for R. laxa; and from black-brown to black for R. spinosissima. Alongside the variation in hypanthium color, the upper leaf surface exhibited two degrees of coloration: green and light green. Analysis of 50 plants in each population (Pop1–Pop9) indicated that bushes with green-hued leaves were the most prevalent among the surveyed plants: 88.6% in R. acicularis, 86.0% in R. laxa, and 65.3% in R. spinosissima. Regarding leaf size, inter-population variability in leaf blade length ranged from 3.41 ± 0.30 cm to 5.71 ± 0.58 cm in R. acicularis, and width ranged from 4.12 ± 0.34 cm to 5.93 ± 0.57 cm; in R. laxa, length ranged from 4.12 ± 0.34 cm to 6.23 ± 0.47 cm, and width ranged from 2.11 ± 0.17 cm to 3.12 ± 0.28 cm; and in R. spinosissima, length ranged from 1.21 ± 1.07 cm to 1.9 ± 1.87 cm, and width ranged from 0.7 ± 0.68 cm to 1.1 ± 0.98 cm. The leaf area study did not reveal significant inter-population differences. The average leaf area varied within the range of 36.9 ± 6.65–39.09 ± 1.25 cm² in R. acicularis, 47.87 ± 6.46–53.15 ± 7.65 cm² in R. laxa, and 18.71 ± 2.97–20.17 ± 2.46 cm² in R. spinosissima.

In our research, the level of variability in fruit length and width within the populations was low for all three species, with isolated instances of medium variability in R. laxa in Pop 6 and R. spinosissima in Pop7. Such variability indicators suggest that fruit length and width are characterized by high stability.

During the evaluation of the economic traits of wild roses, attention was directed towards the indicators of fruit weight and the number of seeds per fruit. According to the research results, the average fruit weight in all three populations of R. acicularis and R. laxa varied at a medium level of variability (C% from 10 to 20%), while in R. spinosissima, it varied at medium and high levels (C% > 20%) (

Table 4. Size, weight, and quantitative characteristics of fruits of Rosa acicularis, Rosa laxa, and Rosa spinosissima and their intrapopulation variability in Kazakhstan Altai.

Species	Population	Statistics	Fruit Size, cm		Mean Fruit Weight, g	Number of Seeds Per Fruit, Count.
			Length	Width
Rosa acicularis	Pop1	M ± m	2.60 ± 0.09	1.80 ± 0.05	2.40 ± 0.24	34.71 ± 2.94
		C%	11.41	5.65	17.43	12.82
		P%	0.28	0.11	0.57	4.05
	Pop2	M ± m	2.20 ± 0.12	1.70 ± 0.08	2.47 ± 0.22	33.00 ± 3.03
		C%	11.41	9.38	18.70	13.92
		P%	0.28	0.18	0.52	4.40
	Pop3	M ± m	2.60 ± 0.08	1.00 ± 0.04	2.23 ± 0.11	29.80 ± 2.33
		C%	6.42	8.47	19.78	11.82
		P%	0.18	0.10	0.27	3.74
Rosa laxa	Pop4	M ± m	2.20 ± 0.11	1.70 ± 0.08	2.28 ± 0.21	20.20 ± 2.11
		C%	9.05	10.49	20.19	21.16
		P%	0.26	0.20	0.52	4.67
	Pop5	M ± m	1.90 ± 0.11	1.70 ± 0.06	2.37 ± 0.16	17.90 ± 2.69
		C%	8.45	6.20	20.33	22.72
		P%	2.26	1.66	5.43	5.19
	Pop6	M ± m	2.30 ± 0.20	1.20 ± 0.09	2.68 ± 0.26	17.50 ± 2.12
		C%	15.20	13.44	17.56	18.32
		P%	4.06	3.59	4.69	5.19
Rosa spinosissima	Pop7	M ± m	1.90 ± 0.08	2.10 ± 0.13	2.17 ± 0.40	17.20 ± 2.80
		C%	7.29	13.62	32.97	24.64
		P%	1.95	3.64	4.81	4.79
	Pop8	M ± m	2.40 ± 0.07	2.70 ± 0.09	2.55 ± 0.20	15.90 ± 2.21
		C%	3.72	9.02	19.63	21.06
		P%	1.18	2.85	5.21	4.66
	Pop9	M ± m	1.30 ± 0.08	1.62 ± 0.08	2.26 ± 0.32	13.40 ± 2.77
		C%	9.46	9.46	21.45	31.31
		P%	2.99	2.99	3.78	4.90

M—mean value, m—standard deviation, C%—coefficient of variation (%), P%—accuracy (%).

). The number of seeds per fruit in R. spinosissima was highly variable—in R. laxa, from medium to high; and in R. acicularis, low (C% < 10%) and medium. Notably, the precision of the experiment, when rounded to the nearest whole number, did not exceed 5.0%; thus, the measurement results can be considered reliable (Table 4).

In the studied populations, an assessment of the average fruit weight without sepals was also provided. The weight of fresh fruits in the populations was recorded at a level of 2.23–2.47 g in R. acicularis, from 2.28 to 2.68 g in R. laxa, and from 2.17 to 2.55 g in R. spinosissima (Table 4).

Water regime and drought adaptation: The water regime of plants, a crucial aspect of their adaptation to environmental conditions, governs essential life processes. Consequently, a study of the water regime was conducted under field conditions from May to September 2024, focusing on water-holding capacity, hydration, and labile water content in populations of R. acicularis (Pop1–Pop3), R. laxa (Pop4–Pop6), existing in montane–steppe mesoxerophytic conditions, and R. spinosissima (Pop7–Pop9), inhabiting montane–forest mesophytic environments. The results obtained are presented in Figure 3.

In May, populations of Rosa acicularis exhibited R-values ranging from 42% to 47%. Rosa laxa showed a slightly broader range, from 39% to 51%. Rosa spinosissima populations ranged between 45% and 52% (Figure 3A). By August, R-values generally decreased across all species: R. acicularis ranged from 21% to 33%, R. laxa from 18% to 29%, and R. spinosissima from 8% to 20%, indicating the lowest water retention during this period. In September, R. laxa showed a recovery in water-holding capacity with values between 52% and 55%, surpassing the other two species. R. acicularis demonstrated a moderate increase to 22–32%, while R. spinosissima also increased but remained lower, ranging from 8% to 31%.

During May, total leaf water content (W) was relatively high in all species. R. acicularis ranged from 59% to 66%, R. laxa maintained a stable 67%, and R. spinosissima ranged from 60% to 62% (Figure 3B). In August, W-values declined notably for R. laxa (43–68%) and R. spinosissima (48–59%). The decrease in R. acicularis was less pronounced, ranging from 54% to 61%. By September, R. laxa exhibited the highest recovery in total leaf water content, ranging from 68% to 72%. R. acicularis also showed an increase (52–74%), while R. spinosissima demonstrated a more modest recovery, ranging from 48% to 50%.

In May, R. laxa generally presented the highest mobile water content (L-values), ranging from 15% to 24%, followed by R. acicularis (13–15%) and R. spinosissima (9–14%) (Figure 3C). July marked a peak in L-values for R. laxa (16–42%) and R. spinosissima (9–37%). R. acicularis showed a slight increase but remained lower (11–14%). By September, R. laxa maintained relatively high mobile water content (16–19%), while R. acicularis showed an increase in some populations (18–25%). R. spinosissima exhibited variable changes, with decreases in some populations and increases in others, ranging between 18% and 25%.

Water regime parameters (R, W, and L) were used for the analysis of similarity among three Rosa species and their populations (Figure 4).

Most populations exhibited strong positive correlations (r > 0.80), indicating a high degree of similarity in water regime characteristics, particularly between populations 1, 2, 3, and 9 (Figure 4A). Conversely, population 7 demonstrated weaker correlations with others, suggesting greater ecological or physiological differentiation. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.63) was observed between R and W, implying that higher water-holding capacity is generally associated with greater total water content (Figure 4B). In contrast, a strong negative correlation (r = –0.71) was detected between R and L, suggesting an inverse relationship between the capacity to retain water and the proportion of mobile water.

Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of month on all three water regime parameters across the studied Rosa populations (

Table 5. ANOVA for the effects of species, month, and their interaction on three water regime parameters in wild Rosa species.

Water-Holding Capacity (R, %)	df	SS	MS	F-Value	p-Value
Species	2	208	104.2	1.632	0.21241000
Month	4	3203	800.8	12.540	0.00000411
Population × Month	8	1832	229.0	3.586	0.00495000
Residuals	30	1916	63.9
Total leaf water content (W, %)	df	SS	MS	F-value	p-value
Species	2	422.9	211.47	11.29	0.000221
Month	4	498.3	124.58	6.65	0.005890
Population × Month	8	670	83.74	4.47	0.001188
Residuals	30	562	18.73
“Mobile” water content in leaves (L, %)	df	SS	MS	F-value	p-value
Species	2	247.7	123.84	2.386	0.1092
Month	4	867.4	216.84	4.178	0.0083
Population × Month	8	905.4	113.17	2.181	0.0584
Residuals	30	1556.8	51.89

df—degree of freedom; SS—sum of squares; MS—mean square.

).

For R-values, a significant effect of month was observed, as well as a significant interaction between population and month, while species differences were not statistically significant. In the case of W-values, significant effects were found for species, month, and their interaction. For L-values, a significant effect of month was identified, while species and interaction effects were not statistically significant.

In total, the data indicate distinct seasonal patterns in water relations among the three wild rose species. R. laxa demonstrated a notable recovery in water-holding capacity and total leaf water content in September, along with generally higher mobile water content during the mid-summer months. R. acicularis maintained relatively stable and high total leaf water content throughout the season. R. spinosissima generally exhibited lower water-holding capacity and mobile water content, particularly during the drier August period.

4. Discussion

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the ecological distribution, habitat structure, morphological variation, and resource potential of three wild rose species—R. acicularis, R. laxa, and R. spinosissima—in the diverse mountainous landscapes of Kazakhstan Altai. The findings reveal notable species-specific patterns in spatial distribution, vegetative structure, community dominance, and fruit productivity, emphasizing the ecological plasticity and economic relevance of these taxa [39].

The geographical mapping of 41 populations (Figure 1; Table S1) shows distinct distributional ranges among species. R. spinosissima was found to be the most widely distributed species, occupying a broad vertical range (448–1837 m a.s.l.) and various slope exposures. In contrast, R. acicularis and R. laxa showed more limited altitudinal and regional distributions, with the latter being confined to the Kalbinsky and Southern Altai subregions. The ability of R. spinosissima to inhabit both lower and higher elevations, as well as its dominance across diverse slope orientations, suggests its broader ecological amplitude and possible resilience to environmental fluctuations.

Habitat analysis further demonstrated species-specific preferences for plant community types and soil conditions. For instance, R. acicularis populations (Pop1–Pop3) were typically located in forb–shrub meadows and mixed shrubby forests, with varying degrees of dominance (23.7% to 65%) depending on light exposure and soil type (Table 1). Notably, Pop1 formed extensive thickets and played a landscape-forming role (Table 1), while Pop3 exhibited a scattered growth pattern under forest canopy, suggesting light availability as a key ecological filter. R. laxa populations (Pop4–Pop6), all situated in mountain steppe or shrubby meadow formations on mountain meadow chernozem soils, showed a tendency to form dense monospecific or clonal groups, particularly in Pop6, where it occupied 67% of the community (Table 1). These findings align with previous studies indicating that species of the genus Rosa occupy a wide range of ecotopes with differing climatic and edaphic conditions and play important roles in various phytocenoses [40,41,42].

Vegetation structure analysis revealed clear stratification patterns and community dynamics. Phytocenotic data (Table S2) showed that R. spinosissima maintained high dominance in the shrub layer (50–70% cover), forming dense thickets (Pop7–Pop9) with well-developed three-layered herbaceous components and substantial ground biomass (up to 369.5 ± 27.49 g/m² in Pop7). In contrast, R. laxa communities had variable shrub layer cover (35–60%), with prominent dominants in the herbaceous layer such as Phragmites australis and Calamagrostis epigeios (Table S2). Ground cover productivity was highest in R. laxa Pop4 and Pop5, reaching 399.63 ± 11.34 g/m², reflecting both soil fertility and species’ biomass accumulation capacity. These results confirm the high ecological plasticity of wild roses noted by other researchers [43], particularly in terms of community integration and co-dominance in diverse ecosystems.

Morphological analysis (Table 3) revealed considerable intraspecific variation across both vegetative and generative traits, potentially driven by microhabitat heterogeneity and genetic differentiation. R. acicularis exhibited both erect and spreading bush morphotypes, with high thorn density in Pop1 and Pop3, while R. laxa was more consistently spreading with moderate thorn density in Pop6. Fruit morphology also varied, with R. acicularis displaying ovoid to elliptical fruits and R. spinosissima producing oval to globular fruits. Leaf surface coloration ranged from uniformly green to a mix of green and light green across species and populations, possibly reflecting adaptation to differing light intensities and nutrient availability. These findings support previous studies indicating the high phenotypic variability in Rosa species, which reflects adaptive responses to environmental pressures [44,45].

The resource potential of the species was substantial, with marked interspecific and intraspecific variation in fruit yield (Table 2). R. laxa emerged as the most productive species, especially in Pop6, where yield reached 1786.01 kg/ha and operational reserves were estimated at 47.87 tons. This is likely attributable to its dense clonal growth habit and occupation of fertile, leveled riverine deposits. Similarly, R. spinosissima Pop8 showed high productivity (1395.04 kg/ha), underscoring this species’ potential for industrial exploitation. In contrast, R. acicularis demonstrated moderate productivity (150–704 kg/ha), with Pop2 representing the most promising source population. These data are consistent with previous findings that highlight Rosa species, particularly R. laxa and R. spinosissima, as promising sources of biologically active substances and economically valuable fruits [3,46,47]. High-yielding populations could serve as important germplasm for breeding and resource management programs [48,49].

The vertical distribution limits, floristic associations, and ecological roles documented in this study support the ecological specialization of these Rosa species. For instance, Dimeyeva et al. [39] discuss the prominent role of Rosa species, including R. acicularis and R. spinosissima, in various ecological zones of Kazakhstan’s Altai region, highlighting their adaptation to specific altitudinal belts and ecological niches. While R. acicularis exhibits versatility in forest–meadow ecotones and acts as an important structural species in certain communities (e.g., Pop1), R. laxa and R. spinosissima appear more specialized in open habitats with high light exposure and stable soil moisture, forming dense thickets favorable for high reproductive output. This specialization likely influences fruit set and biochemical accumulation, as documented in studies on other Rosa species [50,51].

Data analysis revealed distinct seasonal patterns in water relations among the three investigated wild rose species. R. laxa consistently demonstrated a notable recovery in water-holding capacity and total leaf water content in September, coupled with generally elevated mobile water content during the mid-summer months (Figure 3). In contrast, R. acicularis maintained a consistently high and stable total leaf water content throughout the growing season. Conversely, R. spinosissima uniformly exhibited lower water-holding capacity and mobile water content, a trend particularly pronounced during the xeric conditions of August. Statistical analyses, specifically ANOVA (Table 5), substantiated these patterns, revealing significant effects of month on all measured water regime parameters, alongside species-specific differences in total and mobile water content. Complementary correlation analysis further established a strong negative association between water-holding capacity and mobile water content (r = –0.71), and a moderate positive correlation between total and mobile water content (r = 0.63) (Figure 4B). These findings collectively indicate differential water allocation strategies among the studied species.

The integration of ecological, morphological, and productivity assessments highlights the considerable diversity and adaptive strategies of wild roses in Kazakhstan Altai. The most resource-rich populations, particularly R. laxa Pop6 and R. spinosissima Pop8, should be prioritized for further biochemical analysis, conservation planning, and selective breeding. Future studies incorporating genetic diversity assessments, reproductive biology, and climate resilience modeling would significantly enhance the prospects for wild rose domestication and sustainable utilization in this region.

5. Conclusions

The geographical distribution of 41 wild rose natural populations in Kazakhstan Altai was established, revealing species-specific altitudinal ranges and habitat preferences. R. spinosissima exhibited the broadest ecological amplitude, while R. laxa and R. acicularis demonstrated more restricted distributions, with R. laxa predominantly found in the Southern and Kalbinsky Altai. Significant phenotypic variability was documented across the studied populations, encompassing morphometric traits such as bush height, diameter, leaf dimensions, and fruit characteristics, including color, shape, and average weight. Resource assessment indicated substantial fruit productivity, with R. laxa (Pop6, Southern Altai) and R. spinosissima (Pop8, Southwestern Altai) forming the most extensive and high-yielding industrial thickets (up to 1786.01 kg/ha and 1395.04 kg/ha, respectively). These findings highlight their significant potential for economic utilization. Physiological studies on water relations revealed distinct adaptive strategies among the species. Seasonal dynamics in water-holding capacity, total leaf water content, and mobile water content underscored varying degrees of drought resistance, with R. laxa generally showing superior resilience, particularly evidenced by its recovery in September, while R. spinosissima appeared more susceptible to arid conditions in August. The understanding of the diversity of wild Rosa species in the Kazakhstan Altai was expanded and key populations with valuable genetic traits and high resource potential were identified. These findings are crucial for developing strategies for the conservation, sustainable utilization, and targeted breeding of these economically and ecologically important species, particularly in the context of regional biodiversity and climate change.