The flora of Crimea is very unusual and diverse. There are 2,500 varieties of wild plants on the peninsula. This is an impressive number. It is necessary to note the uniqueness of the flora. There are 250 endemics here, that is, plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In addition, the Crimea is rich in relics - plants that have been preserved without any changes for millions of years.

Historical digression

The plants of the Crimea have been thoroughly studied. But, nevertheless, discoveries of new species are regularly made. And the reason for this is the uniqueness of the peninsula. As we have already noticed, the plants of the Crimea are very diverse. An interesting fact is that plants of very different origins coexist everywhere on the peninsula. Among them there are relics and endemics. In addition, there are a lot of related plants from completely different Black Sea regions: the Caucasus, the Balkans, Asia Minor. A similar phenomenon is associated with the history of the Crimea.

After all, initially it was a mountainous secluded peninsula, which over the course of thousands of years was joined and then separated by land isthmuses from the mainland (with the lands of the Caucasus, Asia Minor, the Balkans, the East European Plain). Therefore, the plants of the Crimea also changed. We should also not forget that more than a thousand species of exotic specimens have been brought by man over the thousands of years of the history of this land. So it turned out that the flora of the peninsula acquired such a colorful and diverse look.

Change of belts of vegetation

Another feature of the Crimea is a very clear change of vegetation from north to south.

The northern part of the peninsula is hilly steppes. At present, most of them have long been plowed up, and therefore these lands have lost their natural appearance. The original appearance was preserved only by those areas that are unsuitable for agriculture. These are solonchaks, beams, ravines, rocky plains.

In the area of ​​the foothills, the steppes change into forest-steppes. Here, apart from steppe plants, species such as juniper, fluffy oak, shaggy pear, wild rose, hornbeam, etc. grow.

With height, oak forests are replaced by beech ones. 200-250-year-old trees amaze with their power and primordial gloomy beauty. It is always very gloomy here, there is not even undergrowth and grass cover, there is only a thick layer of fallen leaves. At an altitude of about a thousand meters, huge mighty beech trees give way to gnarled, undersized trees.

At the very top, the forests give way to flat peaks, which are separated from each other by very deep passes. Outwardly, the yayla look like steppes. It is here that a quarter of all endemics of the peninsula are located.

Further, closer to the sea, there is a belt of beech-pine and pine forests, which consists of Crimean pine and Scotch pine. There are also oaks, beeches, hornbeams here. Natural pine forests are more pronounced on the South Shore, which cannot be said about the southeastern part.

South coast

Even further south, the shilyak belt begins, consisting of hornbeam, downy oak, juniper, small-fruited strawberry, pistachio and many others. In the southeast, the climate is very dry, so shilyaks are very rare.

But on the South Coast they are quite thick. In general, the vegetation of the South Coast is close to the Mediterranean, but very much changed by man. Most of the territory is occupied by health resorts, gardens, vineyards, roads. And also by human hands, extensive parks have been created here, in which species brought to the peninsula grow. Imagine that many plants have been living here for about 200 years. At present, all parks have become an integral part, and among them are the famous Alupkinsky, Forossky, Livadia, Massandrovsky, and what is the well-known one in which not only Crimean plants are collected (photos are given in the article), but also many imported exotic varieties.

I must say that the parks themselves have long merged with evergreen natural thickets and form a single whole.

Reserves of Crimea

Crimean plants are protected by laws. Four completely new nature reserves and sixteen sanctuaries have been created on the peninsula. Natural monuments, reserved tracts, protected parks are also under protection.

Near the Nikitsky Botanical Garden is the Cape Martyan nature reserve. Also on the peninsula is Yalta, which collected rare plants of the Crimea. This is only a small part of the reserved places of this region. All of them are unique and interesting in their own way, each has its own task of preserving relic and endemic plants. In our article we want to give a description of some of them.

Beech

Beech is a genus of the Beech family. Two species grow in Crimea: ordinary and eastern. Both of them have a regal appearance and play a great soil and water protection role. The tree lives from 250 to 350 years. It blooms for the first time at the age of 30, and maybe even at 60 or 80 years. It blooms in April with the simultaneous opening of the leaves. Nuts appear on the tree in autumn. They feed on squirrels, roe deer, wild boars, deer. Beech oil is very valuable, its properties are not inferior to olive oil.

Well, there is no need to talk about wood. Due to its special property, it is used for the manufacture of barrels for expensive wines, parquet, musical instruments, yachts. In the distant past, trees in the Crimea were mercilessly cut down. And now they are under protection. The grove on Ai-Petri is generally a protected area.

Oak

Oak belongs to the Beech family. In total, there are approximately 450 varieties of this plant in the world. The bark and wood of the tree are highly prized. In Crimea, there is a rather rare fluffy oak that has been living for more than a thousand years. Such a thousand-year-old plant is located near Foros. Its girth is five and a half meters. And in the Bakhchisarai region, a tree with a girth of eight meters was found. Back in 1820, a cork grove was laid in the Nikitsky Garden, which still feels great to this day. Scientists of the garden were settled throughout the South Coast. Now it is a plant of the Southern Crimea.

Strawberry small-fruited

Plants and animals of the Crimea are so diverse that they never cease to amaze. And the South Coast is a unique place, a piece of the subtropics, where very special plants grow, which, in principle, could not take root in these parts, but thanks to the unique microclimate created by the mountains, they feel great here.

One of these plants is the small-fruited strawberry. This evergreen tree, numbering more than twenty species growing in North America and the Mediterranean. In Crimea, the plant is found only on the southern coast. It has been preserved in these places since the Tertiary period, and is currently listed in the Red Book. The tree reaches a height of six meters. It is characterized by a bizarrely curved trunk and winding tips of branches. On the tree, fruits are formed that are very similar to strawberries. They are quite edible. Since the plants have a decorative appearance, they are cultivated in the parks of the peninsula. And in the vicinity of Gaspra there are several trees, whose age, according to scientists, is approaching a thousand years.

figs

Figs are also called differently. His homeland is the Mediterranean. I must say that this is an evergreen plant, there are more than 800 of its species. For a person, fruits are of particular value. They are eaten fresh, dried, and jam is made from them. In general, this is a very ancient plant on earth, it has been cultivated since time immemorial. However, it is not known exactly when and by whom this tree was brought in. Currently, there are 300 species of figs in the famous Nikitsky Garden. The tree has a strong root system. There are no flowers familiar to us on the tree. But the fruit looks like a bag with seeds inside.

cypress evergreen

It is a coniferous evergreen tree. It came to the Crimea from Greece. It acclimatized here in antiquity. But it became widespread in the 18th century, when many plants were brought on the orders of Potemkin. The evergreen cypress has a pyramidal shape. Its needles are very soft to the touch. The cones are small and have a round shape, like a soccer ball. Cypress seeds are food for many birds: grosbeaks, woodpeckers, finches, robins. In addition, the tree is known for its medicinal properties.

Even the ancient Greeks noticed the positive effect of cypress on people with diseased lungs. Modern scientists have proven that the essential oils of the tree have the strongest bactericidal effect, which can suppress staphylococcus aureus, Koch's bacillus and other bacteria. For medicinal purposes, tree cones are also used. The wood is particularly durable, resistant to decay and has a wonderful aroma. She has been valued since time immemorial.

Orchid

Orchids are very common in the tropics. This species includes the well-known spice vanilla and a great variety of cultivated species in greenhouses. In the Crimea, there are 39 varieties of this plant, 20 of which can be found in Laspi. According to meteorologists, this is the most warm place throughout the South Coast. It is also jokingly called "Crimean Africa". It is for this reason that many endemic plants are found here.

Red Book of Crimea. Plants included in it

Crimea is a completely unique place that has collected truly innumerable riches in the form of flora and fauna. Any tourist who has visited the peninsula for the first time never ceases to admire its beauties and amazing plants. And there really is something to see, something to admire. What is worth only the richest history of this region.

If we talk about the unique plants of the peninsula, then many of them are under protection and have long been listed in the Red Book. The plants of the Crimea, the description of which we have given in the article, are very interesting and worthy of detailed attention. We would also like to dwell on those species that, for one reason or another, have already been included in the Red Book. There are more than 250 of them in total. We list just a few of them:

  1. River horsetail.
  2. The bone is graceful.
  3. North Kostenets.
  4. Juniper deltoid.
  5. Maple Steven.
  6. Ira is beautiful.
  7. The cuff is oak.
  8. Red onion.
  9. Cuneiform hawthorn.
  10. meadow sage.
  11. Crimean dandelion.
  12. Tulip Bibirshtein.
  13. Forest grapes.
  14. Sea rock.
  15. Cystoseira bearded.

Instead of an afterword

Crimea is a completely unique and amazing place. In addition to extraordinary beauty, it strikes with the riches of the plant world. On the whole planet, perhaps, there are not so many places that can boast of such a species richness of flora brought from other regions and taking root in a new place.

In Russia, it is customary to call the Red Book a reference book that lists rare plants and rare animals. Each Russian region has its own rare plants and endangered species animals. Every corner of our vast country writes its own Red Book (KK). When plants and animals are brought into the KK, they begin to be heavily guarded. The Crimean Red Book was founded in the late eighties of the last century.

Unique representatives of the flora and fauna of the Crimean peninsula were included in this book. Nowadays, this list of rare animals and plants of the Crimea is constantly updated with new endangered species. Crimea is a truly unique place; some plants and representatives of the animal world, which are located on the territory of the peninsula, are not found anywhere else in Russia.

How to enter into the Red Book

Any KK is, in fact, a reference book of rare, endangered representatives of the local flora and fauna. Depending on the region, it may include different amount types. In some regions, there are quite a lot of endangered species, in others - much less. In many ways, it depends on the level of development of technological progress, on the presence of large industrial enterprises in the region, on the level of pollution environment. Representatives local flora and fauna are included in this list if:

  • The plant or animal is rare;
  • The representative of flora or fauna belongs to endangered species;
  • The plant or animal is under threat of destruction;
  • rare plants and animals are of great practical use to humans (for example, when we are talking about medicinal plants or fur-bearing animals).

There is also a KK in the Crimea. Now that Crimea has become part of Russia, representatives of endangered species of Crimean flora and fauna are under the protection of Russian ecological public organizations. Targeted destruction of rare animals and plants in Crimea is punishable under Russian law.

In the KK of Crimea, as in the books of other Russian regions, there are several sections. It features endangered and rare medicinal and ornamental plants, insects, mammals, reptiles and reptiles. It also includes rare species of birds. You can get acquainted with the KK of Crimea on the Internet, you can also take a paper version of the book in any local library.

Visually, it looks like a thick book with a hard red cover. Inside there are descriptions of endangered and rare representatives of the Crimean flora and fauna. Each description looks like this: name (both the Russian name and the official scientific name in Latin) , photography and brief reference about this type. For ease of use, the book is divided into sections and headings, in accordance with families, classes, subgroups of animals and plants.

Listing rare plants and animals as endangered helps draw public attention to their rapid disappearance. KK is a great way to remind people that the wildlife of their native land requires careful treatment. Man must be a reasonable master of nature, but not a tyrant or a despot. Otherwise, the consequences of human activity may be unpredictable.

Goals and objectives

The KK of Crimea was first created shortly before the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. At that time, the peninsula was part of the Ukrainian Republic. IN Soviet time Crimea actively developed. New industrial enterprises were built in the city, the tourist infrastructure was rapidly developing. On the one hand, these the changes had a positive effect on the regional economy: new jobs appeared in Crimea, the standard of living improved on the peninsula. But, on the other hand, technogenic human activity, combined with the rapid development of scientific and technological progress, always has a negative impact on the state of wildlife.

Also, the intensive development of tourism has to some extent contributed to the disappearance of rare species. Reserved corners of nature, where no human foot has ever set foot before, have become available to numerous vacationers. In the protected corners of the peninsula, numerous recreation centers have grown like mushrooms after the rain. Tourists resting at these bases did not always behave correctly in relation to wildlife. In order to correct this situation, and was created Red Book of the Crimean Peninsula. Botanists and zoologists set themselves the following goals and objectives:

  • Protect endangered species of animals and plants living on the territory of the peninsula from complete extinction;
  • Contribute to an increase in the population of rare species of animals and plants;
  • To draw public attention to the environmental problems of the peninsula;
  • Inform the population of the peninsula about the need for careful, attentive attitude to rare species.

The main task of the creators was to protect the local nature from the negative impact of human activity. Botanists and zoologists brilliantly coped with this task. Over the past twenty years, it has been repeatedly reprinted and supplemented.

Its study is included in the official curriculum of the school biology course in regional secondary schools. Also, special “nature lessons” are periodically held in local schools. During such lessons, students of junior and secondary school age get acquainted with the KK of Crimea and learn to take care of the nature of their native land.

The Crimean peninsula is located on the Black Sea coast Therefore, not only animals, birds and plants are officially listed in the local book, but also fish, marine animals and rare seaweeds, which are actively used to treat various diseases. This book also includes rare rodents living exclusively in the Crimea.

Rare animals of Crimea

Many rare animals live in Crimea. These are different kinds of animals. In the local book you can find such representatives of the local fauna as:

  • reptiles;
  • Amphibians;
  • Reptiles:
  • Mammals.

Among the animals included in the Crimean Red Code for various reasons are various rare species of toads and rodents, as well as endangered species of reptiles, such as the viper and the yellow snake. Viper venom is used as a medicine, and the mass destruction of vipers has led to the fact that these snakes are becoming less and less. Perhaps drawing attention to this situation will help fix this problem.

Also included in the local book a large number of rare birds, such as the crane. The disappearance and extinction of many species of birds is largely due to the massive development of hunting as a way of outdoor activities.

Animals of different species, as a rule, are officially recognized as rare or endangered due to but purposeful human activity aimed at the destruction of these species (hunting, fishing, making medicines from the poison excreted by animals). Also, some species of plants and animals are dying due to the fact that their habitat is gradually changing (for example, recreation centers for tourists are being built in previously secluded places).

Plants

Many rare plant species are listed in the KK of Crimea. Can be distinguished the following types plants included in it:

  • Medicinal;
  • Poisonous;
  • Ornamental plants (flowers and herbs);
  • Plants that are actively used as animal feed.

Poisonous plants (such as belladonna) tend to disappear because people purposefully destroy them. Medicinal plants are disappearing due to the fact that they are massively harvested as a medicinal raw material local herbalists. Ornamental plants are quite often destroyed by tourists. Plants that feed on wild and domestic animals are also rapidly disappearing, especially if the number of animals that feed on this plant is actively growing.

Rare plants are gradually disappearing, mainly due to the fact that their habitual habitat is gradually changing and disappearing. To prevent the complete extinction of rare species Crimean plants the best solution would be the creation of special greenhouses and winter gardens. The main thing is to create suitable conditions for plants, close to natural. It is also necessary to regularly inform tourists about the need for adequate behavior in nature. A tourist living at a recreation center or making a trip to the protected corners of the Crimean peninsula must know for sure: it is strictly forbidden to pick flowers and break trees in nature, and you can make fires only in specially designated places.

Where else can you learn about rare plants and animals of the Crimea

The regional government of the Crimean peninsula, with the support of local environmental non-profit organizations and with government support Russian Federation, is engaged in active promotion of respect for the nature of the native land. Thematic events are regularly held for children and adults, aimed at getting to know the native nature and studying the local flora and fauna.

You can learn about endangered species of wildlife on the Crimean peninsula not only from the Red Book. You can also get this information from the specialized literature on botany and zoology. Propaganda protection of native nature actively implemented in the Crimean funds mass media. Local environmental organizations are actively working with young people aimed at preserving and increasing natural resources native land.

The Red Book of Crimea is a unique reference book on botany and zoology. From it you can not only learn about rare species of local animals and birds, but also find out what impact human activities have on the state of nature in the region. Studying the Book is an exciting activity. Information will make people think about conservation unique flora and fauna Crimea, as well as the neutralization of the destructive influence of man on wildlife.

February 19th, 2017 admin

Spring is the best time to visit Crimea, this is the time when the peninsula is especially pleasing to the eye with bright and fresh greenery of forests, fields, plains, gardens and parks. The flora of Crimea is very unusual and diverse. There are 2,500 varieties of wild plants on the peninsula. There are 250 endemics in Crimea, that is, such unique plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Crimea is rich in relics - plants that have been preserved for millions of years and have survived to this day without any changes.

In Crimea, there are a lot of plants related to the neighboring Black Sea regions, since for thousands of years the Crimean peninsula has been disconnected from the mainland many times, then rejoined by land isthmuses from the Caucasus, or the East European Plain. Of course, such geographical changes led to changes in the flora and fauna of the Crimea. We should also not forget that more than a thousand species of exotic plant specimens were brought to the Crimea over the past thousand years of the history of this land. All these factors that influenced the nature of the Crimea created that amazingly diverse and colorful world of vegetation that we see today on the peninsula.

Many unique plants of the Crimea are under state protection, and more than 250 plants of the horsetail, gymnosperms, angiosperms, mosses and algae families have long been listed in the Red Book. We list only a few of them: River horsetail. The bone is graceful. North Kostenets. Juniper deltoid. Maple Steven. Ira is beautiful. The cuff is oak. Red onion. Cuneiform hawthorn. meadow sage. Crimean dandelion. Tulip Bibirshtein. Forest grapes. Sea rock. Cystoseira bearded and many others.

Among the diverse vegetation of the Crimea, there are quite a few plants that are quite attractive in appearance, but very dangerous for humans. As long as these plants and flowers grow in the Crimean forests and fields, they are quite safe. The danger arises when their juice, roots, leaves or other parts come into contact with a person. Not only the inhabitants of the peninsula, but also those who come to visit us should know about dangerous plants. Every traveler unknowingly can rip poisonous flower or eat a life-threatening berry.

In general, look at them carefully and avoid mindlessly picking these plants.

1. Delphinium or larkspur

Larkspur causes depression of the central nervous system with simultaneous action on the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system. At toxic doses, respiratory paralysis occurs, accompanied by damage to the heart.

2. Cicuta (lat. cicuta)

Perennial herbaceous plant of the umbrella family, with the smell of parsley or celery. This plant looks so innocent: white flowers, collected in idyllic umbrellas. But when drinking the juice of this plant, severe abdominal pain, salivation, vomiting and diarrhea will begin, followed by convulsions, which can lead to respiratory and cardiac arrest.

3. Spotted hemlock (lat. Conīum maculātum)

This is a poisonous plant with an intoxicating smell, it should be collected only with rubber gloves. hemlock has long been used for two opposite purposes: with the help of tincture, death sentences were carried out, or they were prepared from it medicines. Once in the human stomach, the juice (or decoction) of hemlock causes nausea, often vomiting and diarrhea. There is a loss of sensation and a gradual paralysis starting from the legs. It only takes a hemlock two hours to finish off its prey.

Most often, foxglove flashes in the detective stories of Agatha Christie. In her short story "Dead Grass", foxglove caused the death of a young girl and the illness of other characters. The plant was mixed with onions, and the duck was stuffed with the resulting mixture.

The plant, especially the leaves, contains the well-known atropine, as well as asparagine, then lime and other alkaline substances. Belladonna is highly poisonous to humans, although herbivores eat it with impunity.

6. Aconite or wrestler

In the beech forest of the Crimea, you can find a very beautiful perennial herbaceous plant from the buttercup family with bright blue or purple flowers. Its most popular names are aconite or wrestler. IN ancient Greek mythology it is told that the wrestler appeared from the poisonous saliva of the formidable guardian of the underworld kingdom of Hades - the three-headed dog Cerberus, who was brought to earth by the great hero Hercules. This suggests that aconite has long been considered one of the most poisonous plants. The ancient Greeks used aconite juice to carry out death sentences. There is a case when the legionnaires of the Roman emperor Mark Antony, having eaten several tubers of aconite, lost their memory and soon died. In many countries, the very possession of aconite root was considered a serious crime and was punishable by death. According to one of the ancient legends, the famous conqueror Tamerlane died, poisoned precisely by the poison of aconite, with which his skullcap was soaked. Aconite juice was used in ancient times to apply it to arrows. The ancient Germans compared aconite flowers with the helmet of the god Thor, they soaked weapons - spears, swords and daggers - in aconite juice before going into battle or hunting. The plant contains a deadly poison - aconitine.

This flower is an ideal candidate for decorating any suburban area. Unfortunately, Colchicum is extremely poisonous. Moreover, all parts of the plant are poisonous, both external and underground. Even picking up a flower should be in mittens, so as not to get burned. Light purple or pink flowers, who opened their buds in the fall, on the eve of the winter cold and gave the name to the flower - colchicum. But their innocent defenselessness is very deceiving - the flower is very poisonous. There are over 20 toxins in Colchicum sap, some of which are deadly. Gardeners are advised to work with colchicum with gloves. The literature describes cases of death of people who were treated as prescribed by healers with a decoction of colchicum. Another name for this plant is colchicum. According to ancient Greek myth, this plant sprouted from the drops of blood of Prometheus, who was chained to a rock in the mountains of the Caucasus, and tormented by an eagle. Colchicum, according to legend, adorned the garden of the goddess Artemis in Colchis. On the Crimean peninsula there are two similar friend on another type of colchicum: shady, which blooms in autumn, and winter Ankara. Moreover, the shady colchicum, which blooms only in autumn, is often confused with a harmless plant more common in the Crimea - beautiful crocus, which blooms only in spring.

The plant is dangerous from the roots to the tips of the leaves, but the most dangerous part is the bud. The consequences of ingesting even a piece of this plant into the body will be the same as with the use of potassium cyanide! Choking, loss of consciousness, convulsions, rapid pulse, falling blood pressure and even death - that's the price of careless handling of this lovely flower.

Bringing a bouquet of daffodils into the house, know that if you taste it, the consequences can be sad: nausea and vomiting, convulsions and loss of consciousness, with increased sensitivity, paralysis and death are not excluded.

If you taste any part of this plant, the sad consequences will not keep you waiting. The first symptoms will be salivation and tearing, then all this will turn into vomiting, slowing of the pulse and a drop in blood pressure.

Crimea is a completely unique and amazingly beautiful place, striking with the extraordinary richness of the plant world. There are not many places on our planet that could boast of such a species richness of flora brought from other regions and successfully taking root in a new place.

11. Datura common

Those who read Bazhov's fairy tales in childhood can remember the famous stone flower - the ideal bowl that the master Danil created according to the almost unattainable image of the Datura flower. The inhabitants of Crimea have appreciated its beauty for a long time. Datura common growing in the Crimea everywhere locals often used as an ornamental plant. Dangerous plant of the Crimea - dope ordinary. Even more often in the Crimean gardens and parks you can find large white Indian Datura gramophones. But this poisonous plant became famous not only for its beauty, but also for its other properties. Only the folk names that indicate them, what they are worth: dope grass, mad potion, bad drunk, crazy grass ... And all these names are well deserved, since the plant is poisonous and is a strong hallucinogen. Therefore, shamans and priests of some tribes and peoples, knowing safe dosages, took it to enter a trance. In India, there was even a profession - a dope poisoner. The “professional” blew powder from dope seeds into the nose of a sleeping person through a tube, which made him fall asleep even more soundly, and the thieves easily, without any obstacles, took property out of the house.
12. Belena.

The very name of this plant in many causes a vivid association with the poison, which was discussed in the brilliant work of the great English playwright William Shakespeare "Hamlet". After all, it was the poison of henbane that poisoned the king - the father of Prince Hamlet. In Russian folklore, the name of henbane is associated with the expression: “Are you overeating henbane?”, Which is undoubtedly associated with the expressive symptoms of henbane poisoning. The famous doctor and scientist Avicena described the characteristic symptoms of poisoning: "Harbane is a poison that often causes insanity, deprives memory and causes suffocation and demonic possession." A rather bright and noticeable henbane flower is often found in the Crimea, a plant with not very catchy, but very attractive flowers. also A common cause of poisoning is the similarity of henbane seeds, similar to safe poppy seeds. Dr. Mettesi noted: “Children, having eaten henbane, fall into such folly that their relatives, not knowing the reasons, begin to think that these are the machinations of evil spirits.” In pharmacology, henbane is used to prepare some anti-asthma drugs and painkillers.

13. White-winged aronnik

In April-May, an exotic aronnik flower, a bit like kala, appears in the forests of Crimea. Its single petal is compared to a wing, hence the name of the rarest of the three species growing on the peninsula, the white-winged aronnik. Dangerous plant of the Crimea - aronnik Despite the peculiar decorative effect, the Crimean aronnik has not received popularity because of the sharp and very unpleasant smell. However, to flies - their pollinators, the ambergris that comes from these flowers seems to be a very attractive aroma.
Unusual Aronnik orientalis flowers have two flowering phases - male and female. Insects, having visited a plant with a male flowering period, after a while they sit down on a female one and slide inside. At the same time, filamentous outgrowths that are directed downwards prevent them from getting out of the flower, and they have no choice but to crawl along the cob located at the base of the flower, pollinating it with pollen brought. After that, the aronnik enters the male phase of flowering, removes all its traps and releases insects to freedom.
All types of Crimean aronnik (Arum italicum) are toxic . In summer, their cobs ripen and are covered with attractive orange berries. If you eat them, at least a few pieces, then there is a strong inflammation of the oral cavity and appear characteristics poisoning. In some places of the Crimea, aronniks are called forest pencils for the ability of the rod located in the center of the inflorescence to color surfaces, for which it is called "forest pencils".

14. Yew berry

In ancient times, entire forests of yew berry grew in the Crimea, but at present there are very few old trees left. The age of the yew berry can be very respectable - some trees have more than a thousand years. The widespread destruction of the yew led to its beautiful, eternally strong wood, painted in different shades of red, which is why it is also called mahogany. In ancient Egypt, the sarcophagi of the Egyptian pharaohs were made from yew. From the unusually strong wood of the yew berry in ancient times, the most best bows. But the craftsmen working with the toxic wood of the yew berry did not live long, and those who trimmed the branches of the yew felt a strong headache. Ancient legends have been preserved that in the old days beautiful cups were created from yew berry, which were then presented as a gift to enemies in the hope of poisoning them. In Europe, yew wood was used to make very expensive furniture. The toxicity of the yew berry was mentioned by Pliny the Elder. Everything is poisonous in a tree: wood, seeds, needles, bark, roots. The exception is juicy shells similar to berries. Sweetish, but not distinguished by exquisite taste - they are completely harmless. The danger lies in the fact that if they are eaten together with the fruit - the bone, then poisoning will inevitably occur.
15. Peonies

Like many medicinal plants Crimea, peonies are poisonous. Everything in it is toxic - from the rhizome, petals, seeds. The flora of the peninsula is decorated with two types of peonies, which compete with each other with their magnificence. Peonies are listed in the Red Book, as their number is decreasing throughout the Crimea. Two millennia ago, delicate peony flowers adorned the imperial gardens of China. Peonies were brought to the court of the emperor from the south of the country in specially made bamboo baskets, and to protect against withering, each stem of the flower was covered with wax. In ancient Greece, the peony flower was considered a symbol of longevity. There is an opinion that the Greeks valued the peony not only for its beauty, but also for its amazing healing properties, the flower got its name from the Greek word "paionios", which sounds like healing in translation. Ancient Greek doctors were called peonies. In ancient Greece, there was a myth about a disciple of the god of healing Aesculapius - Peony, who surpassed his mentor in the art of healing. This aroused the wrath of the god Zeus, and he ordered Hades to poison Peony, however, the lord of the underworld took pity on the dying young man and turned him into a peony flower of extraordinary beauty.

15. Heracleum (Heracleum L.), hogweed - a large umbrella plant.

White caps of inflorescences against the background of beautiful carved leaves already clearly distinguish this plant from all others. But even more impressive is its majestic size. Dangerous plant of the Crimea - heracleum Under favorable conditions, some types of hogweed grow up to 4 meters with a leaf area of ​​up to 1 square meter. In this case, the diameter of the inflorescence often reaches 60 centimeters. For such a mighty and very high speed growth - 10-12 centimeters per day, he got his Latin name - heracleum. Surprised by his extraordinary appearance, the inhabitants of central Russia brought his seeds from the Caucasus, the Urals and other regions. Having settled in a new place as an ornamental plant, the cow parsnip soon got out of obedience and, conquering the surroundings of the peninsula, began to displace many local species, becoming a malicious weed. It soon became clear that the handsome Heracleum not only prolific, but also very poisonous. Even touching this plant can cause a serious chemical burn, so remember it well and try to admire its beauty from afar during the flowering period.
16. Ranunculus oxyspermus.

The affectionate-sounding name of the plant "buttercup" actually comes from a formidable, even ferocious epithet - fierce. Bright yellow buttercup flowers, as if varnished, received another popular name – night blindness . This happened, apparently, due to the irritating effect of the juice on the mucous membranes, including the eyes. Of the beautifully flowering toxic plants of the Crimean peninsula in terms of the number of species - buttercup is a true champion - of the 23 species of this plant, all buttercup flowers are poisonous. Contact of the plant with the skin can cause severe dermatitis, and the likely outcome of its ingestion will be fatal. In antiquity, the buttercup was a symbol of malevolent banter and served as the emblem of the formidable god of war Ares, and in In ancient Rus', buttercup was considered a flower Thunderer Perun . And according to one of the Christian legends, escaping from the Archangel Michael, Satan hid among the buttercup thickets, which is why the flower became so evil. Ottoman Empire ranunculus leaves were widely used in greenhouses and became a symbol of the greatness of the sultans.

17. Lily of the valley

This plant from the lily family, despite its modest appearance, has won the hearts of all many peoples. Widely known since ancient times medicinal properties lily of the valley. In medieval Europe, it became a symbol of medicine. However, lily of the valley is completely poisonous. Few people know that this plant ripens bright red, appetizing-looking fruits in the fall, which, if eaten, can seriously poison you. There are even cases with a fatal outcome, when water was accidentally drunk, in which there was a bouquet of lilies of the valley.

Medium-sized snow-white, graceful lily-of-the-valley flowers, like magic bells, exude a delicate, refined aroma that leaves no one indifferent. By the number of legends and myths, he is unlikely to have competitors. In a Christian legend, lilies of the valley grew on the tears of Mary that fell to the ground, mourning her crucified son. In Russian legends and epics, the lily of the valley is associated with the appearance of the sea princess Mermaid. fairy tale hero Sadko rejected the love of the sea maiden for the earthly love of Lyubava. The bitter tears of the sea princess sprouted into tender and a little sad flowers - lilies of the valley, intoxicating with their smell. Little Russian legends say that. that lily of the valley flowers appeared from the happy laugh of Mavka in love, and scattered like white pearls throughout the forest. In Western Europe, it was believed that lily of the valley flowers serve as lanterns for gnomes, and miniature elves hide under lily of the valley flowers from the rain. Lily of the valley flowers are still loved today. In France, on the first Sunday of May, the lily of the valley is celebrated, and the Finns even consider it their national flower.

Crimea is famous not only for the sea, beaches, but also for unique plants. Trees, shrubs, herbs fill the air with a pleasant aroma. In total, more than two thousand species of plants grow on the territory of the peninsula, about 260 of them are listed in the Red Book. Below I have described the most interesting, rare representatives of the Crimean flora.

Bay leaf is one of the most popular spices. In the Crimea, it is included in the fund of evergreens of the South Coast. The life expectancy of a laurel bush is about 300 years. The fruits are black in color, are used to make fragrant oil used in medicinal and technical purposes. The leaves are rich in volatile substances (phytoncides), which have a beneficial effect on human health. main feature- suppression of the development of tubercle bacillus. The plant is able to withstand temperatures down to -13 °.


You can see an evergreen plant of the myrtle family with fruits resembling a cucumber in the Crimea today in and in. It grows wild in Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Feijoa blooms with beautiful red-white petals, the middle of the flower is decorated with a purple stamen. The tree tolerates frosts up to 12 ° and drought well. Fruits are especially valued for their high iodine content. This property is inherent only to those plants that grow near the Black Sea coast.


The plant (evergreen) reaches a height of 2 - 3 meters. It looks especially impressive during flowering, in May - June. Belongs to the myrtle family, as well as eucalyptus, feijoa, and so on. The leaf is dark green in color, fills the space with a fragrant aroma when rubbed. Flowers form black fruits with a pleasant smell. The first plant appeared on the peninsula in 1815, in the famous botanical garden. Today, myrtle is very rare on the peninsula.


Not an annual plant of the sumach genus, in which there are about 20 species. It is one of the most ancient trees, the age can be up to one thousand years. The height of the pistachio with a dense crown and gray bark reaches 8 meters. The leaves are tufted, the flowers do not cause much emotion. The fruits are not edible. The root system has unique properties - anti-erosion. Pistachio tolerates drought and frost very well. The leaves have a strong smell of resin, it is she who has a healing property. Pistachio resin is used in medicine.


Corm plants, from the iris family, about 80 species of representatives are included in this group. The height of crocuses varies from 8 to 30 centimeters. On the territory of the peninsula, all wild crocuses are listed in the Red Book. Flowers adorn stone slopes, glades, delighting tourists with beautiful flowers from February to 15-20 April. The leaves of the plant are narrow, the flowers are light purple or yellow with a graceful limb. On the peninsula, you can often find saffron (the second name of crocus) in juniper groves.


Herbaceous perennial plants of the legume family - astragalus, have more than 2 thousand species. The height is small - from 5 to 10 centimeters. Feel comfortable in areas of increased drought. Astragalus bristleus is an endemic species. On the southern coast of Crimea, it is found on the famous, in the vicinity of Sudak. The best soil for it is gravelly slopes, rocky surfaces. You can enjoy the beauty of unusual red-violet flowers in May. At this time, by the way, many rare species bloom.

Orchid


Scientists disagree on how many species of orchids the orchid genus has, and the data vary greatly (from 20 to 35 thousand). In Crimea, up to 39 species of orchids will melt, including a rare representative - Komperia Compera. Komperia is a relic representative. A beautiful plant up to 50 centimeters tall. The leaves are grayish-green, three to four little things. The flowers are quite large, unusual shape. The orchid blooms from May to June. There is a unique plant in the so-called "Crimean Africa" ​​-.

Fern


This is the rarest plant of the entire family, numbering more than 10 thousand species. In the Crimea, this fern is represented by only 12 units. You can see them only on the majestic. The evergreen plant is covered with black-brown films on the vine. Rhizome creeping, reproduces by spores in summer period. The leaves are unusually dark in green sometimes even black. The same species is found on the territory of Dagestan and Turkmenistan.


An endemic species that grows only in the Crimea. A frequent flower, but due to constant destruction is at risk. Therefore, it is reserved and carefully protected by the state. Snowdrop is a member of the Amaryllis family, which includes less than 20 species. Grows in shady places. Flowering begins in December - January and continues until the first leaves appear on the trees.


The perennial plant belongs to the buttercup family. Height from 10 to 25 centimeters. It grows mainly in pine and oak forests on rocks. Blooms from February to May. The stem is covered with a silvery fluff, the flowers are fluffy, lilac with a yellow center. The buds are large (3 - 3.5 cm). When the flower is closed, it can be confused with one of the tulip species. With the onset of evening, the flowers close, lower their heads. In the morning they bloom again. The plant is rare. Listed in and included in the Red List of Europe.


The plant, reaching a height of up to 50 cm, belongs to the peony family. grows in southern regions Crimea. The leaf is green, elongated, similar to pine needles. The flower is bright red with a diameter of up to 10 centimeters. Flowering begins at the end of April and continues until June. Favorable soil for growth - stone slopes. It is found in the vicinity of Koktebel, on the territory. Most representatives of this species are on Mount Klimentyev.

Perennial plant of the orchid family. Listed in the Red Book. "Shoe" is distinguished by bright green oval-oblong leaves and inflorescences similar to shoes. They flaunt on tall stems, up to 60 centimeters tall. That's where the name came from. In the season of mass flowering, it spreads a pleasant aroma in the area, attracting great amount insects. It grows mainly in shady forests of mixed type, on the edges, but can sometimes be found in open areas.


A Red Book plant, only 5 centimeters in height, pleases with its flowering from January - March. This family includes more than 70 species, the Ankara colchicum is one of them. The leaves are covered with a bluish bloom, the flowers are pink-lilac in color, somewhat similar to a crocus. The main difference is the simultaneous appearance of inflorescences and leaves. Colchicum belongs to the category of poisonous, so tearing it is strongly not recommended. You can get serious poisoning. It is found in the steppes, on mountain slopes. It looks especially impressive on them.

A perennial plant (buttercup family) that prefers the beech forests of the Crimea is as dangerous as it is beautiful. Blue, purple inflorescences are located on a long thin stem. Height can reach 2.5 meters. Flowers usually have irregular shape. Some species are distinguished by yellow inflorescences. In antiquity, aconite was used as one of the ways to enforce the death sentence. Some citizens manage to dig up tubers to plant on suburban area. Even knowing about the strongest poisonous properties.

The rose grows in Unlike the above described aconite has healing properties. The flowers look like wild roses when in bloom. Leaves and shoots, young, exude a pleasant aroma. It is from this plant that dark green or brown incense oil is obtained by distillation. It is used in perfumery as an excellent fixing agent. In the countries of the East and Egypt it is used for aromatic incense. Blooms white, pink or reddish, in June - July, no longer than one day.

Iris

Only three types of irises out of 250 grow in Crimea: false calamus, dwarf and Siberian. False calamus irises prefer marshy places, foothill areas. The plant has powerful leaves and bright sunny flowers. The dwarf species is named due to its small growth, the maximum to which they grow is 20 centimeters. Flowers of different shades - golden, purple, blue and even brown-yellow. Iris blooms from March to May, decorating large areas. What can not be said about the Siberian, it is very rare.

It is simply unrealistic to describe all the plants listed in the Red Book of Crimea. There are a huge number of them. But the species listed above, in my opinion, is quite enough to understand how rich, diverse and unique vegetable world peninsulas. All interesting and good rest!

Almost every corner of our planet is inhabited by animals that are on the verge of extinction. Crimea is no exception; rare representatives of the animal world also live there.

Limiting factors

First of all, the diversity, as well as the uniqueness of the fauna and flora of the peninsula is determined by geographic location. A small area, about 27,000 km², is divided by three climatic zones: mountain belt and subtropics on the southern coast, as well as a temperate continental steppe climate. These territories belong to the Black Sea basin and are located at the intersection of migration routes of fauna representatives. Another interesting fact is that there are fifty salt lakes and two hundred and fifty seven rivers in this area. Experts have noticed that due to the significant rate of genetic erosion in recent decades, some plant species have been burned.

Red Book

The peninsula is home to a huge number of exceptional animals that are on the verge of extinction. It was decided to create a document about such inhabitants.

The Red Book uses an eight-point scale to determine the degree of rarity. The animals of Crimea in the Red Book of Russia are the tricolor and pointed-eared bat, the common long-winged bat, the small and large horseshoe bat, the black-headed gull, the large curlew.

Fauna on the peninsula

It is known from history that ostriches and giraffes used to live on the peninsula, and due to climate change, people noticed arctic foxes and reindeer. In addition to animals, about two hundred species of fish live in the waters of Crimea. Of these, in fresh lakes and rivers, there are forty-six, fourteen of which are natives. The rest were brought to the peninsula and adapted well there.

In Crimea, there are fourteen species of reptiles, and only one poisonous one is the steppe viper, as well as six species of lizards. Among the turtles, only the marsh turtle lives, which can be found in mountain reservoirs. About two hundred species of birds live here, living mainly in mountainous areas. Of these, seventeen species arrive for the winter. There are more than sixty species of mammals, they live in mountainous areas, as well as in nature reserves. Foxes, badgers, martens are found on the peninsula, and predatory animals can also be found here. Hares and ferrets are found in forests and steppes. Wolves lived here, but at the beginning of the twentieth century, their populations completely died out. Monk seals and three species of dolphins live in the waters.

Rare animals of the Crimea, listed in the Red Book

Among rare mammals one can distinguish the steppe polecat and the common shrew, their number is declining at a rapid pace. And also wild rams - mouflons are protected. This is the only herd in all of Eastern Europe. The lizard of the spindle family, or it is also called the yellow-bellied, belongs to a protected species that is on the verge of extinction. The lizard has a large head and large eyelids. The yellowbell has a sandy yellow coloration with a dark pattern on the upper body. Rare animals of the Red Book of Crimea: Mediterranean gecko, golden eagle, pygmy bat, white-bellied monk seal.

Sea dwellers

Crimean bottlenose dolphins are also under protection. They are able to reach speeds of up to forty km / h and emerge from under the water to a height of five meters. The white-bellied seal or monk seal is on the verge of extinction, there are only 600 representatives of this species left on our planet. For the desire for solitude, as well as short hair, they were called monks. These rare animals of the Crimea, listed in the Red Book, are rather awkward on land, but they feel great in the water. In search of food, seals can swim far from the coast and dive to a depth of five hundred meters. Animals reach a length of about two meters and weigh about three hundred kilograms. Males tend to be covered in thick black fur, while females are noticeably lighter in color. Because of the light lower part of the body, the seal received another name - white-bellied.

Steppe and mountain fox

In the Crimean mountains you can meet mountain foxes, and in the steppes - their steppe subspecies. They feed mainly on hamsters, ground squirrels, mice, and in rare cases even wild rabbits.

In times of famine, foxes eat lizards, insects, and frogs. Due to the fact that these animals of the Red Book of Crimea are susceptible to rabies, tourists should be careful. Previously, they were vaccinated, but now this does not happen. There are no frequent encounters with these animals, because they are very cautious and shy.

weasel

At first glance, it may seem that this is a very small and peaceful animal, but even wolves cannot be compared with the bloodthirstiness of affection. However, she is often tamed and becomes quite a gentle pet.

Weasel will quickly make friends with other household inhabitants. In the house in which this animal lives, insects and rodents will never appear. However, in captivity, weasels barely live past the age of five.

Belodushka

This name is given to the stone marten, whose chest and throat are covered with white fur. Belodushka is a very mobile and voracious predator. However, the stone marten can eat vegetarian food. In summer and autumn season belodushki - animals listed in the Red Book, in the Crimea eat pears, grapes, hawthorn. When it enters the chicken coop, it will quickly strangle all the chickens.

Badger

Peaceful representative of the animal world of Crimea of ​​the Mustelidae family. The badger's brothers are sables and otters. These animals are very brave and energetic representatives of the fauna. Their burrows are similar to caves, consisting of several floors, and can reach twenty meters in length. Each floor has its own purpose.

This is a fairly clean animal, so the house is cleaned daily. The floor in the burrows is dotted with fragrant grass, which is changed twice a year. The expansion and improvement of the hole is constantly taking place. After a certain amount of time, the holes turn into whole badger underground cities. These animals, listed in the Red Book, in the Crimea feed mainly on mushrooms, wild berries, acorns, as well as ground squirrels, snails and mice. In addition, badgers love honey. These are peaceful animals, but when it comes to their brethren or their homes, they stand to the end.

mouflon

This is a wild animal related to artiodactyls, a genus of rams. Mouflons live on wooded mountain slopes, and in winter they go down a little lower. Males weigh about 50 kg, and females - 35 kg. Males have horns. Mouflons are very cautious animals and try to live away from people.

A wild boar

These animals lived in the Crimea since ancient times, but in the nineteenth century they were completely destroyed. Starting from 1957, one wild boar and thirty-four females from Primorsky Krai were brought from the Chernihiv region. Subsequently, the number of individuals increased significantly.

Boar - an animal of the Red Book of Crimea, whose photo can be seen in the article, feeds on various roots, mushrooms, nuts or acorns. In rare cases, they can feed on insects, bird eggs and rodents.

Crimean red deer

The deer is the largest animal on the peninsula. Its weight can reach 260 kg, and they grow up to 140 cm in height. Basically, the life expectancy of the Crimean deer is 60-70 years. Horns are considered their main weapon. In Crimea, only hunters are considered enemies of deer. Thus, they use their horns during fights for the female, which usually take place in September.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, deer - animals listed in the Red Book, almost completely disappeared in the Crimea. Starting in 1923, a ban on shooting deer came into effect. And already in 1943 the number of individuals increased to two thousand.

Roe

There was a time when these animals lived in the steppes of the Crimea. Now roe deer live on the slopes of the Main mountain range, in addition, they can be found in the forests. When meeting with people, the animal freezes for a few seconds, then, discovering that it has been noticed, it hides in the forest thickets with great speed. Roe deer are like deer. These animals, listed in the Red Book, feed on tree buds, bark, herbaceous plants. Males have horns, which they shed at the beginning of the autumn period. In the spring, the antlers grow back. Foxes and martens are considered enemies of roe deer. Animals have excellent hearing. As soon as they feel danger, they immediately warn their fellows. Their cry is carried at a distance of three kilometers.

What animals are listed in the Red Book of Crimea?

  • The common shrew is considered one of the rarest species of mammals. Mostly lives in the mountain-forest part of the Crimea.
  • The steppe ferret is a representative of predators. These animals feed on small-sized vertebrates, as well as mouse-like rodents.
  • The leather-like bat leads mainly a sedentary lifestyle. Feeds on small insects.
  • The common badger is active at dusk and at night. The length of the body is from 60 to 90 cm, the tail is 20 cm long. The head is small, powerful claws on the paws.
  • The small gopher lives in burrows that reach almost two meters in depth, and their length is more than four meters. Distributed in sagebrush and forb-feather grass steppes.

Animals of the Crimea, listed in the Red Book of Russia, are the giant vespers, the gray shrike, the eagle owl, the lesser tern, the greave, the steppe tirkushka.

Birds

The gray crane is under the protection of the law, hunting for it is prohibited everywhere. On the peninsula, the animal lives exclusively in swampy meadows and reed beds. The pink starling is also included in the Red Book. He lives on Mount Opuk. Red-headed kinglet, common in the mountainous regions of the Crimea. The eagle owl is a rare bird in the Crimea. It is active, as a rule, at night, preys on small animals and vertebrates.

The Crimean peninsula is a small universe, which combines a diverse climate, unique nature and diverse flora and fauna.

The Red Book lists animals that need protection, as well as endangered species. The first edition was published in 2015. The first volume describes animal world. Here are some names of animals listed in the Red Book of Crimea: steppe polecat, common shrew, common badger, leather-like bat, small ground squirrel. The second volume is devoted to plants, fungi and algae. In total, four hundred and five species of plants and fungi are included, as well as three hundred and seventy species of animals. The Red Book is considered official document, containing information about wild animals, plants and fungi that permanently or temporarily reside (grow) on the territory of the Crimean peninsula.