VEGETATION IN THE CAUCASUS

Across the Central Caucasus northern and southern valley slopes differ considerably, but nature of ground above that, towards the snowline, is much the same and typically alpine. northern valley slopes and at lower levels deciduous forests of oak, beech and hornbeam prevail. Above 1500m forests become coniferous (mainly pine trees) with variable belts of mixed wood! containing pine, beech, birch and alder. From 1800 to 2500m open alpine meadows are found.

On the southern side of the range, at 1200-1500m great forests of beech with evergreen bushes and lianas abound; also mixed and coniferous forest of fir and aspen. High pastures for grazing animals lie above these forests, in which large swathes of alpine flowers are found. The Botany of Svanetia is legendary among travelers.