Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025)

This issue of Plant Diversity of Central Asia (Vol. 4, No. 1, 2025) presents important historical and floristic contributions to Central Asian botany, highlighting regional species richness and foundational taxonomic achievements. Featuring a review by Reinhard Fritsch et al., the issue commemorates the scientific legacy of Furkat O. Khassanov (1959–2024), detailing his contributions to the taxonomy of complex genera (Allium, Astragalus, Iris), his leadership in key regional syntheses including the new Flora of Uzbekistan and national Red Data Book, and his role in fostering international research collaborations. Complementing this, Natalya Yu. Beshko provides the first complete annotated checklist of the vascular flora of the Nuratau Mountains—a Key Biodiversity Area and recognized center of endemism—documenting 1,320 species across 471 genera and 86 families at the junction of the Central Asian Mountain and Turanian phytogeographical provinces. Together, these contributions honor a foundational legacy in regional taxonomy while advancing baseline floristic knowledge in a critical biodiversity hotspot.