The Main Edificators of Hyrcanian Type Forests in the South of the Azerbaijan Republic

Transcription

1 ORAL PRESENTATION The Main Edificators of Hyrcanian Type Forests in the South of the Azerbaijan Republic Safarov Hajiagha Mirzakhan oglu 1 1 Hirkan National Park, vil. Burcali, Az 4232 Lenkoran district, Azerbaijan. safarov_h@yahoo.com Abstract: On the southern region of the Azerbaijani Republic, close to the shores of the Caspian Sea is hirkanian type forest, and covers an area of 139,000 hectares. The vegetation of the region is different from the vegetation of the neighboring regions of the Republic. In these areas up to now remains dendrologic vegetation - relics of the Tertiary period. More than 1,400 species inhabit the territory, about 100 of which are endemic. Some of these are relics of the Tertiary period, such as ironwood (Parrotia persica), silk acacia (Albizzia julibrissin), hyrcanian figs (Ficus hyrcana), chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia), Hirkanian zelkova (Zelkova hyrcana), Caucasian persimmon (Diospyros lotus), Hirkanian butcher's broom (Ruscus hyrcanus), Danae racemosa (Danae racemosa), hyrcanian boxwood (Buxus hyrcana) and others. These species, as well as listed in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and many of them are grown in the botanical gardens and arboretums around the world. The main edificators in hirkanian type forests is the chestnut-leaved oak, hornbeam, beech, ironwood and etc. Dominant species, depending on the habitat can be velvety maple, zelkova, almost heart-shaped alder, Lapina wing-fetal etc. Key terms: hyrcanian type forests, edificator, Tertiary period Introduction: The solution to all problems related to the nature of the protection of flora or phytosphere requires the need to preserve the diversity of plants. Many plants that are considered today as useless or harmful, tomorrow will be an important source of medicine or other material of value for the person. Preservation of the gene pool of flora is very necessary for plant breeding to develop new and improve existing commercial species and cultivars (Safarov H.M. 2009). Talysh is a unique floristic region of the Caucasus. It is located in the extreme south-eastern part of Azerbaijan by the Caspian Sea, and to the west is bordered by the Republic of Iran. It stretches from the point where the sea shore region meets the steep ridge at -21 m a.s.l. up in too the mountains at 2500 m a.s.l. The climate is damp and subtropical. Yearly annual precipitation is mm. Maximum temperature is +40 o C in summer, minimum is +2-3 o C in winter. The vegetation is characterized by high floristic richness and relict dendrological biodiversity due to specific physical-geographical and natural history conditions, including the absence of post- Tertiary glaciations. Dendroflora of Talysh takes special place according to variety of kind in the Caucasus. There are many endemic flora of the Caucasus and Azerbaijan flora species - Caspian honey locust, Alexandrian laurel, oriental persimmon, ironwood, chestnutleaved oak, silk tree, hyrcanian box-tree, alder is almost heart leaves, hyrcanian fig tree, hyrcanian maple etc. The area consists of two parts: the mountainous part - here is: (foothills, low, mid - mountain belts) and the second part of the lowland plain area. This part is in spite of only 91 hectares, but it is unique, because it is the only territory Hirkanian lowland forest preserved in primary form up to the present day, and it is the territory is 21.4 meters below sea level. This area is a standard-preserved lowland hirkanian type forests (Hajiaga M. Safarov, 2010). In Talysh in 1936 for the conservation of relict and endemic species of the Tertiary period that are found in this region was established Hirkan State Reserve (2,906 ha). On February 9, 2004, the State Reserve was transformed into Hirkan National Park (NP) with a total area of 21,435 ha. Out of 1,200 plant species found in Hirkan NP, 96 are endemic. The aim of our research was determining of the basic edificators and dominant kinds in the plant groups of hyrcanian type forests in the Azerbaijan Republic. 605 I n t e r n a t i o n a l C a u c a s i a n F o r e s t r y S y m p o s i u m

2 The Main Edificators of Hyrcanian Type Forests in the South of the Azerbaijan Republic Materials and Methods: Research was conducted in 2009, in the hirkanian forests of the Azerbaijan Respublic including and the territory of Hirkan National Park. Implementation of the research organized repeatedly expedition on this subject. For work method was used the routes, and observing of the territory specific locations. During the work were done 68 geobothanical recording communities on four routes. To conduct geobotanic records used plots of 100m X 100m. In the course of the research, we made several field trips during which we collected herbarium materials and made geobotanical descriptions of plant communities, including endangered species. Coordinates of each geobotanical description of plant communities were recorded using GPS. Species were identified using The Flora of Azerbaijan, taking into account the nomenclatural changes proposed by Cherepanov (Cherepanov S.K ). We used the methods of Yaroshenko and Ramenskiy (Ramenskiy L.G. 1971) Results and Discussion: In Hirkanian forests are the main edificators: chestnut-leaved oak, beech east, Caucasian hornbeam and mixed forests with ironwood. Along with these in certain places dominates species of persimmon, maple, walnut, zelkova, alder, Lapina, boxwood, etc. It also many rare species of trees and shrubs that are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Among them: Pyrus boissieriana Buhse, P. hyrcana Fed., Euonymus velutina Fish. & Mey., Danae racemosa (L.) Moench, Ruscus hyrcanus Woronow, Frangula grandiflora (Fish. & CAMey.) Grub. and others. In the deciduous of the hirkanian type forests well there is a change of plant associations with height, depending on the exposure of the slope and changes in moisture conditions. This change clearly displayed on the different landscape profiles made progress in the area. Looking at the different profiles, you can identify some patterns in the change of communities associated with changes in environmental conditions. Fig. 1. Investigation territory Mixed forests dominated by ironwood (Parrotia persica (DC.) CA Mey.) Iron tree is one of the edificators of hirkanian type mixed forests. This species is a relic of the Tertiary period and endemic species Hirkan geo-botanical province. Iron wood is found in the lowland and foothills forests. In the slopes of the mountain forests after m height above sea level gives way to the eastern beech. In mixed forests usually it takes a second tier, their height reaches 15-18, sometimes up to 22 meters. Iron tree begins flowering in winter - at the beginning of January, but resets the seeds in early September. Seed germination of 75-80%. On the profile, conducted via a spur ridge on the shore of the reservoir Khanbulan, the most common species is ironwood (Parrotia 606 I n t e r n a t i o n a l C a u c a s i a n F o r e s t r y S y m p o s i u m

3 Safarov Hajiagha Mirzakhan oglu persica (DC.) CA Mey.), which often forms the second tier of the forest. The whole community on the first profile are litter cover. At the foot of the southern slope of the widespread exposure of the ironwood forest with areas of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L., Carpinus schuschaensis H.Winkl.) and the undergrowth of hirkanian butcher s broom (Ruscus hyrcanus Woronow). This forest with litter cover (up to 5 cm), adolescents presented an iron tree in a less quantity are epiphytes (Viscum album L., Hedera pastuchowii Woronow, Polypodium vulgare L.). For a typical high forest crown cover, poor development of herbage. This ironwood forest is confined to moist habitats. Higher up the slope grows oak forest with a second tier of ironwood and zelkova. This forest is located on more steep slope (about 25 ), and is even more powerful litter cover (up to 6 cm), the lack of grass cover and the presence of epiphyte Viscum album in the crowns of oaks. Ironwood sometimes depressed and found in shrub form. The second profile goes through an extremely interesting and unique forest, at an altitude of m low then Baltic Sea. The most common tree is the bearded alder (Alnus barbata CAMey.). Descriptions in the forest were made at different distances from the river that runs through its center. At a sufficient distance from the river is oak and alder (Parrotieto-Querceto- Alnetum vario-herbosum) and Lapin-herb forest (Pteryicaryetum vario-herbosum) with a second tier of ironwood and hornbeam sites. Undergrowth is presented, mostly alder underbrush undeveloped, and is represented by Prunus divaricata Ledeb., Ruscus hyrcanus Woronow well developed grass layer (Carex deauperatra Curt. Ex With, Ranunculus bubosus L., Viola alba Bess., Galanthus transcaucasicus Fomin, Cardamine uliginosa Bieb., Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) Beauv., Dactylis glomerata L. Geum urbanum L., Carex sylvatica Huds.) and other species, there is moss on the ground and trees, developed extra layer vegetation (Hedera pastuchowii Woronow, Polypodium vulgare L., Vitis sylvestris CC Gmel., Periploca graeca L., Smilax excelasa L.). Litter cover capacity of up to 4 cm, but the herb layer is developed due to the low crown density and high moisture content. Closer to the river is ironwood-alder forest with undergrowth of hirkanian butcher s broom (Alneto-Parrotietum ruscusosum). The degree of crown density reaches 0.6, and some alders have a height of over 40 meters. Undergrowth small, developed herbal tier butcher s broom in the undergrowth up to 1 m in height, extra layer vegetation is pastukhov ivy (Hedera pastuchowii Woronow). Litter powerful, but not solid. On the banks of the river common alder wood sedge (Alnetum carexosum) with an undergrowth of smallleaved hawthorn (Crataegus microphylla C.Koch) and portions of maple (Acer hyrcanum Fish. & CA Mey., Acer laetum CAMey.) and elm (Ulmus laevis Pall.). All the plants in this association - hygrophytes, epiphytes are ivy, and grass layer dominated by sedges (Carex sylvatica Huds., Carex deauperatra Curt. Ex With). In the most humid conditions floodplain grows only alder and other species are located in humid areas. On the other bank of the river, at a considerable distance from its floodplain forest of alder and oak replaced elm-hawthorn and medlar (Ulmeto-Quercetum mespilosocrategosum) with the second tier with ironwoods. Adolescents presented ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and oak in the undergrowth dominated by hawthorn, and the grass is poorly developed. On the other bank of the river, at a considerable distance from its floodplain forest of alder and oak replaced elm-hawthorn and medlar (Ulmeto-Quercetum mespiloso-crategosum) with the second tier with iron woods. Mostly extra layer vegetation and moss on tree trunks are epiphytes. This forest is located in the less moist conditions and on a few meters above the flood plain of the river, so the community is dominant chestnut-leaved oak (up to 35 m). Fig. 2. Irontree / H. Safarov 607 I n t e r n a t i o n a l C a u c a s i a n F o r e s t r y S y m p o s i u m

4 The Main Edificators of Hyrcanian Type Forests in the South of the Azerbaijan Republic Chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia CAMey.) In hirkanian forests is one of the edificators is chestnut-leaved oak. This species is a relic of the Tertiary period and endemic species hirkan geo-botanical province. Chestnut-leaved oak is found in different altitudes. Depending on the relief of areas and other factors in the growth of this edificatory forests can reach from to meters. Usually at the slopes are heights of their reaches 25-28, sometimes up to 32 meters. Chestnut-leaved oak heliophilous and heat-loving plant, it prefers the southern slopes and crests of ridges, which also can be seen on the profile. In the top of the ridge and north-west slope hornbeam-oak forest with a second layer of ironwood and underbrush hirkanian butcher s broom. Grassy layer is almost absent, the diameter of the bushes butcher s broom up to 70 cm and a height of up to 60 cm, the epiphytes only Viscum album in the crowns of oaks and elms. In this forest to oak mixed with hornbeam, as it often is North slopes. Down the slope (steepness up to 30 degrees) is a community-ironwood replaces hornbeam forest with undergrowth of butcher s broom and blackberry (Rubus raddeanus Focke.). Herbage undeveloped, but well developed extra layer epiphytic vegetation (Polypodium vulgare, Hedera pastuchowii, Viscum album, mosses). On the slope of the southern exposure at an altitude of about 600 m is native oak and beech forest with areas of hornbeam (Carpineto-Fageto-Quercetum nudum). The undergrowth is presented, mainly beech. The vegetation is quite underdeveloped, there is extra layer epiphytic vegetation (mosses, ivy). Litterfall (8-10cm) from the leaves of oak and beech. Fig. 3. Parrotieto-Quercetum nudum / H. Safarov Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L., Carpinus schuschaensis H.Winkl.) Hornbeam reach a height of 30 meters and a trunk diameter of 120 cm at an altitude of m above sea level, the northern slope of the river Vasharud is located ironwoodhornbeam and alder motley grass forest (Parrotieto-Capineto-Alnetum vario-herbosum) with fragment of violet (Viola odorata L.) with well-developed epiphytic vegetation. Emergence in this community alder (Alnus subcordata CA Mey.) is associated with increased humidity (alder-hygrophila). Then up the western slope at an altitude of m is observed hornbeam forest with a second tier of ironwood (Parrotieto-Carpinetum nudum) is 80 cm in diameter of the barrel. Young forest presented an ironwood and hornbeam. In the undergrowth occurs single specimens medlar. Good rearranged extra layer vegetation (mistletoe and mosses). Litter cover powerful solid. There is moss layer capacity of 2-3 cm hornbeam is present in the community, as they prefer the upper part of the western slopes, less illuminated than the south. On the northfacing slope at an altitude of 600 m is located beech-hornbeam forest with violet-shortlegs grasses layer (Acereto-Fageto-Carpinetum violo-brachypodiosum). On this steep slope is present in the wood hornbeam, as it grows on the northern slopes of the ridges in wet habitats. In herbage present brachypodium (Brachypodium sylvaticum (Huds) Beauv.) and violet (Viola odorata L., V. alba Bess., V. hirta L., V. canina L.), and epiphytic mosses are have on all the hornbeam. The presence of epiphytic vegetation (including mistletoe and in the crowns), as well as grass-developed due to increased humidity with height. Descriptions were made on the slopes of the ridge of one of the spurs of the mountain Almaband, from the village of Istisu a height of 50 to 1,400 meters. Clearly visible on the profile of a regular change of ironwood community forests to middle mountain beech and hornbeam. The main feature of these forests is the high moisture associated with heavy rainfall. In connection with this fact in the area formed moist broadleaf forest with many species hygrophytes. At the beginning of the profile at an altitude of about 200 m grows ash- 608 I n t e r n a t i o n a l C a u c a s i a n F o r e s t r y S y m p o s i u m

5 Safarov Hajiagha Mirzakhan oglu ironwood forest with undergrowth of butcher s broom (Fraxineto-Parrotietum ruscusosum) and with the participation of hornbeam. Irontree reaches 20 m in height. Adolescents presented oak and ash, as well as ironwood. In the herb layer dominated by spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides L.) - dominant mountain forests. Among epiphytes a mistletoe (Viscum album L.) in the trees. Along the eastern slope at an altitude of m is observed hirkanian boxwood forest with a dead cover (Buxetum nudum) as part of a with individual members of species ironwood and chestnut-leaved oak. Extra layer vegetation rearranged well (mosses). lower part of the slope are well developed undergrowth of blackberry (Rubus raddeanus Focke.) and hirkanian holly (Ilex hyrcana Pojark.) up to 3 m. In the grass cover dominated by violets (Viola hirta L., Viola canina L., Viola odorata L.) and epimedium (Epimedium pinnatum Fisch.). Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) Beech prefers to grow on the northern slopes and intermountain depressions. Higher up in the mountains at an altitude of 350 m on the steep northern slope grow beech forests with areas of oak and lime trees (Tilieto-Querceto- Fagetum euphorbiosum) with a grass cover of milkweed. Here linden (Tilia begoniifolia Stev.) and oak reach a height of meters. Higher in the mountains at an altitude of m, where the most highly moisturizing and most of the year hanging mist formed a special wood with a large number of hydrophytes. Beech, hornbeam crowns blackberry-brachypodium forest dedicated to the most humid conditions, the south-eastern slope of the steep 40. Undergrowth is poorly developed in the lower parts of the slope common blackberry (Rubus persicus Boiss.). As there are many kinds of herbage as Primula heterochroma Stapf, Phyllitis scolopendrium (L) Newm., Luzula forsteri (Smith.) DC., Dactylis glomerata L., Cyclamen elegans Boiss. & Buhse, Poa nemoralis L., Sanicula europaea L., Geranium platypetalum Fish. & Mey. and others, but the dominates Brachypodium sylvaticum. Highly developed extra layer vegetation (Polypodium vulgare, Viscum album, mosses). Litter cover solid and capacity of 5-7 cm. Another description has been made in the north-east slope at an altitude of about 880 m pretty steep slope (> 40 ). Maple-beech forest with undergrowth of hirkanian holly (Acereto- Fagetum ilexosum). Developed epiphytic vegetation - ivy (Hedera pastuchowii). In the Fig. 4. Capineto-Fagetum rubosum / H. Safarov Another profile goes through the many highrise zones (100 to 1600m). Profile pass along the highway to the mountain area Lerik from north-east to south-west. While climbing the mountain there is a pronounced change in vegetation zones. Since the waypoints were made along the way in plant associations are often present tree species introduced by man. In the profile is shown as well change the association of broad-leaved forests with height and, depending on the exposure of the slope. At the beginning of the route (the height of 100 meters), there ironwood oak-hornbeam forest with patches (Carpineto-Querceto- Parrotietum carexosum) on the northern slope and oak forest (Quercetum -fruticosum) on the south, in the undergrowth - hirkanian butcher's broom (Ruscus hyrcanus Woronow), blackberry (Rubus raddeanus Focke.), medlar (Mespilus germanica L.), plum (Prunus divaricata Ledeb.) and hawthorn (Crataegus microphylla C.Koch). Above the profile at an altitude of m oak forest gives way to oak-ironwood and undergrowth with blackberry and abundant epiphytic vegetation on the trunks (mosses, lichens) due to higher moisture southern slope. At an altitude of about 400m is the community is replaced. On the northern slope of the forest grows hornbeam, while in the south - hornbeam-oak (hornbeam prefers the lower parts of the northern slopes). At an altitude of 609 I n t e r n a t i o n a l C a u c a s i a n F o r e s t r y S y m p o s i u m

6 The Main Edificators of Hyrcanian Type Forests in the South of the Azerbaijan Republic about 500 meters north-western slope of the busy oak-hornbeam forests with patches of maple, and in the south-eastern slope dominated by oak forest. In these forests is quite high moisturizing, and in the trunks have mosses and ferns. Climbing up the hill (to a height of 800 meters), you can see the oak forest with patches of alder (Alnus subcordata CAMey.) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L., Carpinus schuschaensis H.Winkl.) and single specimens occurring maple (Acer laetum CA Mey., Acer velutinum Boiss.). The grass cover dominated by spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides L.), the main dominant of middle mountain deciduous forests. At the point of the route at an altitude of about 1500 m is observed mountain meadows and pastures consisting of meadow grass (Poa nemoralis L.), dandelion (Taraxacum oficinale Wigg.), clover (Trifolium caucasicum Tausch., T. scabrum L., T. medium L., T. subterraneum L.,T diffusum Ehrh., T. hirtum All., Amoria repens (L.) C.Presl) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.). Apparently, these meadows are of anthropogenic origin - they were formed as a result of overgrazing of livestock. Beside the observation point, in a gully found small-leaved hawthorn (Cartaegus microphylla C.Koch), plum (Prunus divaricata Ledeb.), dog rose (Rosa canina L., Rosa floribunda Stev.) and small undergrowth with oak and zelkova (Zelkova carpinifolia (Pall.) Dipp,, Zelkova hyrcana A.Grossh. & Jarm.). Moreover, in the mountains (at the height of 1600 m), visible snow-covered alpine oak forests. Fig. 5. The edificators and some dominant species of hyrcanian type forests In the course of our work we have identified the spread edificators and some of the dominant species in the height mountain ranges, and the result of the work specified in the fig 5. The table does not contain all the list of trees and shrubs in the area, because we were interested a general overview. References Cherepanov, S.K Vascular plants of Russia and bordering states (former USSR). St. Petersburg: "Mir i Semya". (In Russian) Ramenskiy, L.G Problems and methods for the study of vegetation. Leningrad: Nauka. (In Russian) Safarov, H.M Rare and endangered plant species in Hirkan National Park and its environs / Status and protection of globally threatened species in the Caucasus. CEPE Biodiversity Investments in the Caucasus hotspot Tbilisi: p Safarov, H.M Zur Waldvegetation des Nationalparks Hirkan im Talysch (Aserbaidschan) / / Mitt. Deutsch. Dendrol. Ges. (MDDG), vol.95, pp I n t e r n a t i o n a l C a u c a s i a n F o r e s t r y S y m p o s i u m