Comparative anatomical analysis of Zygophyllum fabago L. populations from the Ili-Balkhash region, Kazakhstan

Zygophyllum fabago L. is recognized as a valuable medicinal species traditionally applied in the treatment of rheumatism, inflammatory and dermatological disorders, urinary tract problems, and intestinal parasitic infections. In the present work, a comparative anatomical study was performed on specimens collected from three natural populations located near the villages of Topar, Bakanas, and Miyaly within the Ili-Balkhash region of Kazakhstan. The objective was to characterize the variability of vegetative-organ anatomy in relation to soil differences such as salinity, compaction, and nutrient supply. Samples were preserved in 70 % ethanol, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned at 40 μm with a rotary microtome (MEDITE M530). Microscopic observations were carried out using a Levenhuk D740T instrument, and dimensional data were obtained with the LevenhukLite software package. Among the studied populations, root periderm thickness ranged from 119.35 μm (Pop. 1) to 168.54 μm (Pop. 3). The thickest xylem was observed in Pop. 3 (860.65 μm), suggesting improved hydraulic conductance, while the most developed mesophyll layers occurred in the same group, where palisade and spongy tissues reached 728.51 μm and 843.68 μm, respectively. Such structural variation demonstrates the pronounced adaptive flexibility of Z.fabago under contrasting edaphic conditions. This investigation provides the first comprehensive anatomical characterization of the species from southern Kazakhstan, emphasizing the diagnostic importance of tissue traits for assessing ecological resilience and the potential of Z.fabago in restoring arid and saline landscapes.