Geographical Conditions and Factors that Affect the Distribution of Poisonous Plants in Kazakhstan

The purpose of this study was to analyze the ecogeographical distribution of poisonous plants in floristic regions of Kazakhstan and identify the effect of arid conditions on their distribution. In total, the 51 most toxic vascular plant species belonging to 34 families were identified in the republic. Cartographic analysis showed that the lesser part of these species are confined to plain floristic regions in northern deserts; while mountain steppe regions have the greater part of toxic species. The largest numbers of poisonous plant species were recorded in the following floristic regions: Western Tien Shan, Tarbagatai, and Altai; the smallest numbers, in Mangyshlak, Northern and Southern Ustyurt, and Buzachi.