University of Guilan Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences 1735-3033 24 2 2026 04 01 Phytocenological features, distribution, resources and phytochemistry of some species of the genus Artemisia L. in the Zhetysu Alatau, Kazakhstan 333 341 9618 10.22124/cjes.2026.9618 EN Meruyert Seidekhan Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Geography, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan Doctorkhan Aidarbayeva Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Geography, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan Ahmet Aksoy Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey Sofya Imankulova Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Geography, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan Journal Article 2026 05 19 <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The genus <em>Artemisia</em> L. is widespread across Kazakhstan, yet no detailed study of its phytocenology, resources, and phytochemistry has ever been conducted in the Zhetysu Alatau mountain range. To fill this gap, we surveyed 350 quadrats across seven sites between June and September 2025, covering elevations from 600 to 2400 m. Five <em>Artemisia</em> species were recorded, with <em>A. sublessingiana</em> being the most frequent (68.6% of quadrats) and dominant in cover (34.7%). Above‑ground biomass of <em>A. sublessingiana</em> averaged 114.2 g m^-², and its total resource in the Zhetysu Alatau was estimated at 8,393 tonnes, occupying 735 km². Essential oil yield varied significantly among species: <em>A. sublessingiana</em> (1.01 mL 100g^-1), <em>A. frigida</em> (0.79), <em>A. terrae‑albae</em> (0.50). Chemical composition also differed: <em>A. sublessingiana</em> was rich in 1,8‑cineole (24.6%) and camphor (22.3%) but contained notable thujone (13.6%); <em>A. frigida</em> was dominated by camphor (35.1%) with minimal thujone; <em>A. terrae‑albae</em> had the highest artemisia ketone (18.3%). Oil yield in <em>A. sublessingiana</em> peaked at mid‑elevations (1100–1300 m), while <em>A. frigida</em> showed an increasing trend with elevation (<em>p</em> = 0.02). The estimated total <em>Artemisia</em> resource in the region is nearly 12,000 tonnes of dry above‑ground biomass. These findings provide the first scientific baseline for sustainable harvest, conservation planning, and species‑specific essential oil applications. We recommend cautious extraction of <em>A. sublessingiana</em> (not exceeding 10% of standing biomass every three years) and further exploration of cultivation for larger‑scale production.</span> https://cjes.guilan.ac.ir/article_9618_45c1b10bb1191a75f00906fd27ab176f.pdf