The subalpine and alpine vegetation of the Georgian Caucasus - a first ethnobotanical and phytosociological synopsis

Background: The Republic of Georgia is part the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot, and human agricultural plant use dates back at least 6000 years. Over last years lots ethnobotanical research on area has been published. In this paper we analyze food plants in 80% not occupied by Russian forces. We hypothesized that, (1) given long tradition use, isolation under Soviet rule, both based home gardens wild harvesting would be more pronounced than wider region, (2) knowledge widely equally spread most Georgia, (3) there still incidence loss despite wide especially climatically favored regions Western Eastern Georgia. alpine vegetation hotspot fascinated botanists for centuries. Given very complicated biogeographic setting, a concise classification communities however eluded science so far. Methods: present work, 619 plots, first study to attempt phytosociological classification. Even large number samples complete proved difficult, releveés are needed detailed assessment, following Braun-Blanquet. It also give an overview uses subalpine areas For employed dataset that gathered all over interviewing 300 participants from 2014-2019. analysis traditional table work combined with species composition, coverage abiotic factors using "R", compared "Twinspan". From 2013 2019 interviewed 380 All interviews were carried out participants’ homes native speakers Georgian its dialects (Imeretian, Rachian, Lechkhumian, Tush, Khevsurian, Psavian, Kakhetian), other Kartvelian languages (Megrelian, Svan) minority (Ossetian, Ude, Azeri, Armenian, Greek). Results: found 183 flora, representing about 33% encountered survey, had reported uses. usage mostly focused as fodder, which unsurprising. Green crops such Lactuca sativa, Phaseolus vulgaris, Ocimum basilicum, Mentha x piperita, Allium cepa, Artemisia dracunculus grown virtually everywhere. Cucurbita pepo, Cucumis sativus, Solanum melongena, Zea mays, introduced species, discovered popular elements local cuisine. veterinary medicine, however, Matricaria chamomilla, Berberis Juniperus hemisphaerica used. There two classes: Bromopsis variegatae - Festucaetea ovinea (Class. nov.) (Subalpine pastures), seven orders twelve alliances/eighteen associations, Sympoholoma graveolensis Saxifragetea exaratae (Alpine one order, alliances, four associations. Conclusions: Greater assessed detail time, highlighting existing gaps work. establishment borders post-soviet independence, it will interesting see how original cross-cultural remain, actual knowledge, well cross-border high altitude pastoralism declining. Keywords: Caucasus, Traditional Knowledge