International Dendrology Society trip – days five and six

Georgia, day five

Today has almost entirely constituted of driving across the middle of the country to Babaneuri, high in central Georgia. So nothing to note except the cool mountain air and the exciting sight of conifers in the landscape, mainly Picea orientalis and Pinus sosnowskyi.

Georgia, day six

A brilliantly sunny day - we couldn't have spent it at a better spot! We are high (2000-2500 metres a.s.l) in the lesser Caucasus and marvelling at the effect altitude and temperature has on the flora of these mountainous regions.

Alpine meadows here are awash with flowers blowing in the wind, grazed by Azeri farmers who encamp in the mountains during the snowless summer months.

Below this we found low growing Rhododendron caucasicum and stunted Betula litwinowii, adding more species on descent until it became a rich mixed forest consisting of many of the species already mentioned as well as the stunning Acer trautvetteri.