THE ORIGIN OF GARDEN PLANTS AND THE FSU CONTRIBUTION
The Caucasian-Western Asiatic Center
The Caucasian-Western Asiatic Center embraces the Caucasus,
including Transcaucasus, North and Northeastern Anatolia, and the
mountains of Turkmenia. Vavilov called this area "the Anterior
Asiatic centre". This Center covers many floristic provinces,
among them the Euxine, the Caucasian, (belonging to the Circumboreal
Floristic Region) and the Central Anatolian, Armenian-Iranian, Hyrcanian,
and partly Turanian (belonging to the Irano-Turanian Floristic Region).
The region has contributed a large group of ornamental plants, or
about 150 species. (3%) to world horticulture. Most of the species were
taken from the Caucasus. Therefore, this range could be more correctly
named "Caucasian." Its native plants in general cultivation
today include numerous species of trees and herbs that have become
popular in many countries. Pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens),
bay willow (Salix pentandra), velvet maple (Acer velutinum)
and the Caucasian alder (Alnus subcordata) are used in many
countries as shade trees. Some of the most popular herbaceous plants
that can be grown in the open are autumn crocus (Colchicum speciosum),
crested gentian (Gentiana septemfida), Pyrethrum coccineum
(syn. Chrysanthemum), poppy (Papaver orientale) and the
pincushion-flower or scabious (Scabiosa caucasica). The Caucasian
Center has become increasingly important as a source of ornamental plants,
during the twentieth century. Many new species have been found in the
mountain regions of the Caucasus, especially in its western part.
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