2,351 species of flora
Overview of Mongolian Flora
- Mongolia has around 3,200–3,500 plant species, including vascular plants and some endemic species.
- The flora reflects continental climate: long cold winters, short summers, and low rainfall.
- Major vegetation zones:
• Desert (Gobi, southern regions)
• Steppe (central plains)
• Mountain and forest (Khangai, Altai, Khentii ranges)
• Wetlands and river valleys
Desert Plants (Gobi and Southern Mongolia)
- Adapted to arid, sandy, and rocky conditions.
- Key species:
• Saxaul (Haloxylon ammodendron) – stabilizes sand dunes; important for wildlife shelter.
• Calligonum spp. – small shrubs for desert stabilization.
• Ephedra (Ephedra przewalskii) – medicinal plant, drought-tolerant.
• Nitraria sibirica – salt-tolerant bush found in deserts.
• Reaumuria soongorica – small shrub adapted to saline soils.
Desert Plants (Gobi and Southern Mongolia)
- Dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants.
- Common grasses:
• Stipa spp. (feather grass) – primary fodder for livestock.
• Festuca spp. – hardy grass for grazing.
• Leymus spp. – important for soil stabilization.
- Herbs and flowering plants
• Potentilla spp., Artemisia spp. (wormwood), Astragalus spp. (legumes).
- Steppe plants are fire-resistant and drought-tolerant
- Many species are medicinal and used in traditional Mongolian medicine.