Sarykum

Sarykum or Sary-Kum (Russian: Сары-Кум, Kumyk: Sari Hum, meaning "Yellow sand") is a large sand dune located in the Kumtorkalinsky District of Dagestan, Russian Federation.

The dune is located in a protected area, part of the Dagestan Nature Reserve, which was established on 9 January 1987.

Sarykum is the highest dune of the Sarykumskye Barchany (Russian: Сарыкумские барханы) dune area, which extends below the northern slopes of the Narat-Tyube Range (Russian: Нарат-Тюбе).

Measuring approximately 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) in length, with an area of 1,175 hectares (2,900 acres), the height of the highest summit may vary between 213 metres (699 ft) and 262 metres (860 ft).

There are up to 279 species of rare plants, including several which are endemic, such as Iris acutiloba,[6] Shishkin's groundsel (Senecio schischkinii), Karakugen milkvetch,[7] Astragalus karakugensis and Colchicum laetum.