Flora of Azerbaijan

The relict trees hold a socio-economic importance and even cultural significance.

• Cappadocian Maple (Acer cappadocicum)
• Velvet Maple (Acer velutinum)
• Persian Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)
• Caucasian Alder (Alnus subcordata)
• Caucasian Persimmon (Diospyros lotus)
• Caspian Locust (Gleditsia caspica)
• Persian Ironwood (Parrotia persica)
• Caucasian Wingnut (Pterocarya fraxinifolia)
• Chestnut-leaved Oak (Quercus castaneifolia)
• Caucasian Zelkova (Zelkova carpinifolia)

In the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Jabrayil, Zanghelan, Steppe Plateau, Zuvand regions of republic which have arid climate, a specific mountainous xerophytic vegetation is developed. The species of thyme (Thymus) are very typical of those arid regions. The following species are specific there: Lactuca, Berberis, Zygophyllum atriplicoides, Astragalus szovitsii, Salvia dracocephaloides, Pyrethrum, Marrubium, Achillea, Phlomis, etc.

In Eldar Oyugu which is located in the northwest of Azerbaijan has also arid climate and there is an isolated spot of typical thin forest formed by Pinus eldarica, which is an endemic relict of the tertiary period. This forest has such higher plant species as juniper, pistachio, Paliurus spina-christi and 30-35 others. These species obviously belong to the mountainous xerophytic type.[3]

Tugai forests lie through the major rivers Kura, Araz, Ganikh, Gabirri. The southern willows, mulberry trees, elms, pomegranates, hybrid-type poplars, Elaeagnus, Tamarix, etc. grow in these forests. Sometimes the shrubs can form a mixed forest along the sides of mountainous rivers or in river valleys, e. g. Hippophae rhamnoides, Elaeagnus, willows (Salix), Rhus coriaria, Tamarix, mulberries, pomegranates, wild roses, blackberries, etc. Hippophae rhamnoides is spread in the valleys of the Shin, Kish, Damiraparan, Turyan, Geychay, Agsu, Velvele and Terter rivers. Along the rivers of Talysh Pterocarya pterocarpa and Alnus subcordata can be observed. Another species of alder, Alnus barbata, is typical in Talysh. Local endemic species of fig (Ficus hyrcanica), Humulus lupulus, Smilax excelsa, Sambucus ebulus, Carex of many species, Cardamine, Poa, etc. are typical for the coastal forests of Talysh.[4]

Two species of pine trees are spread in Azerbaijan: Pinus eldarica and Pinus Kochiana. The first one grows on the Steppe Plateau at 600 m above sea level, the second one grows in at 1,600 m above sea level in the region of Gyok-Gyol and in the Bulanig river valley of the Belokan region.[5]

At 1,800-3,200 m above sea level alpine and sub-alpine meadows, meadow steppes are observed. Mainly high grasses like Heracleum, Achillea, Cephalaria gigantea, Filipendula ulmaria, Calamagrostis arundinacea, Brachypodium silvaticum, Agrostis capillaris, Poa nemoralis, Koeleria gracilis, Vicia, Melilotus, clover (Trifolium), Verbascum, Aconitum, Delphinium, Dactylis glomerata, various species of the Rose family are specific species for that places. Sub-alpine meadows` formation depends on relief and macro climatic peculiarities. The sub-alpine belt consists of mesophytic meadows and drier meadow-steppes which includes various species of cereals and clover, Geranium, Inula, Cephalaria, Scabiosa, Galium, Tragopogon, Betonica, Primula, Plantago, Rumex, Urtica, Cirsium, etc. According to the investigations there are about 1,000 species are spread in sub-alpine meadows.[6]

In the Middle Age Azerbaijan medicine 365 plant species were used for treatment, whereas in modern Azerbaijan medicine only 230 of them are in use and the other 135 species are considered as lost medicinal plants for new generations.[7]

AltiAghac reserve is located in the northeast of Azerbaijan. It is one of the biggest reserves in Azerbaijan and is 11 035 hectares. It is covered with deciduous forests, where the main types of trees are Caucasian oak, Caucasian hornbeam, oriental beech, ash and birch and commonly you can meet are most common thorny hawthorn, wild rose and blackberry bushes.[9]

Pirgulin reserve

Pirgulin reserve was created in 1968, the total area of which is 1500 hectares. The reserve has white maple, iron tree, loquat, cherry, walnut, ash, pear, apple, yew, white maple.[9]

Goygol reserve was created in 2008. It’s located on the slope of Kapaz mountain, at 1000–3600 meters above the sea.[9]

Th reserve was created to preserve a rich vegetative cover (over 80 types of trees and bushes) and bio media.

The Zagatala reserve was created in 1929 and is located in the north-west of Azerbaijan. It has over 900 types of vegetation (plants)[9]

The Girkan reserve was created in 2004 and is 42 797 hectares. From vegetation, there are over 1900 flora species. This includes 162 endemic, 95 rare, 38 endangered species. Among those, some of the species are listed in the Red book, for example, Girkan boxwood, ironwood, chestnut-leaf oak, figs, Girkan pear, Lankaran albition, Caucasian persimmon, alder, and others.[9]