Endemic genera of the Caucasian flora

AbstractWithin the flora of the Caucasus consists of 17 mono‐ or oligotypic endemic or subendemic genera. Their taxonomy and nomenclature, chorology (latudinal and longitudinal distribution) as well as the site conditions are examined. According to their distribution patterns endemic genera could be classified as follows: Greater Caucasus, Western Caucasus, Central Caucasus, Eastern Caucasus, Greater Eastern Caucasus, and common Caucasus endemics. The centres of diversity of the subendemic genera are in the Caucasus, but spread out into Lazistan and Anatolia, some of them are also found in Iran. Most of the endemic genera developed in the phytogeographical units (phytochorions) of the Colchis and of the Caucasus. The florogenetic relation to Mediterranean genera is demonstrated.The caryogeographic analysis of endemic genera shows that the majority is palaeodiploid. Geographical isolation (with respect to longitude, latitude and altitude) is an important factor in the formation and evolution of the Caucasian flora generated by three‐dimensional landscape structure of the mountains.