COST Action E 52 - vTI - Bund.de

Fig. 4: Botanic map of the Republic of Armenia (http://www.armstat.am/file/article/marz_07_e_7.pdf)
ecoLoGy oF orIeNTaL beech
Mesophyte. Very shade tolerant. One of essential forest-forming trees. Usually grows with other
broadleaved or coniferous trees but may form pure stands. Generally dominates on northern slopes
in wet valleys. Demands warmth, high soil fertility and wetness, as well as air humidity. Thrives on
fertile, brown forest soils. Forms best stands of all ages at the altitude 00 to 1,200 m. In the Caucasus,
attains 2,200-2,300 m, to form subalpine elfin woodlands (Chukhina 2003).
use aNd ecoNomIc vaLue
Technical, ornamental. Provides valuable wood which is widely used for furniture (bentwood
„Viennese“ furniture), as well as construction and carpentry (parquetry). Excellent park tree, with
significant ornamental garden forms. Nut bearing trees cultivated in Armenia include walnut (Juglans
regia), hazel (Corylus avellana, C. colurna) and chestnut (Castanea sativa). People also use the fruits
of beech (Fagus orientalis). Wild species of almond (Amygdalus nairica, A. fenzliana, A. urartu) and
pistachio (Pistacia mutica) are also grown in the country.
The unique forest of Mtnadzor gorge is considered a fine example of natural indigenous forests. Here
the primary targets for conservation are oak, hornbeam and oak-hornbeam forests, as well as rare
plant communities, such as yew (Taxus baccata). Here also is found the only small oriental beech
grove in the south of Armenia along with a plane grove (Platanus orientalis) (Chukhina 2003).
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