Patterns of distribution and survival of European yew (Taxus baccata L.) in an alpine tree line ecotone in the Greater Caucasus (Georgia)

Abstract

Four disjunction sites with European yew (T. baccata) were included in this study (Fig. 1). All of them are represented in the western part of the Greater Caucasus Range (GCR). Considerable interest was directed towards two sites in the alpine tree line ecotone. Another two sites included low or mid-elevation locations.

The present paper is the first attempt towards data analysis on yew elevation variability across the Greater Caucasus, including treeline ecotone. An effort has been made to reveal survival strategy of yew under pessimal conditions. The sharp geomorphology of high mountainous limestone habitat; harsh climatic conditions long-term impact of severe disturbances due to temperature extremes, solar radiation, cold winds, and other topo climatic conditions; related to both - individual and community stands of yew were considered. All these fluctuating abiotic disorders affect the anatomy, physiology and behavioral peculiarities of relict yew; in particular the vegetative propagation ability of krummholz stand of yew. Our aim here was to strengthen the environmental awareness among the local people through this study, vis-a-vis enlighten the incredible natural sites of the GCR, which contain remarkable endemic and relict flora.