International Dendrology Society trip – day three

Lagodekhi nature reserve in the high Caucasus mountains is our destination for today, and a five hour hike through a wooded river valley up to a waterfall is our ultimate goal.

The waterfall was reached by many means including log bridges, branch ladders and scrambles over rocks, but was well worth it, not only for the view and a swim but for the botanizing along the way.

We came across a number of new species at the reserve including Philadelphus caucasicus, Euonymus latifolius, Rhododendron luteum and Diospyrus lotus.

Of as much interest however was noting how the landscape on our 500 metre climb shaped the flora we came across. Alnus glutinosa var. barbata and invasive Paulownia lined the river banks.

Acer velutinum var. vanvolxemii and Carpinus betulus pushing 30 metres in height were found at the bottom of the climb, while smaller stands more dominated by Fagus orientalis and Fraxinus exclesior sat further up stream.