Some Plants of the Dadiani with Edible and Medicinal Uses in the Zugdidi Botanical Garden

Abstract

The paper covers the following several plants with edible and medicinal uses in the Zugdidi Botanical Garden: 1. Pomegranate-Punica granatum 2. Walnut tree- Juglans regia 3. Candy tree Hovenia-Hovenia Thunb. 4. Ordinary chestnut- Castanea sativa mil. 5. Laurel- Laurocesus. The aforementioned plants grow well in the soil and climate conditions of the Zugdidi Botanical Garden. The later was constructed in 1840 by the last ruler of Samegrelo, Davit Dadiani in honor of his wife, Ekaterine Chavchavadze.

From the outset the aforementioned Ruler looked after the Garden and later, he entrusted his wife Ekaterine with the Garden. The Queen took a high interest in the Garden. First, she brought in an Italian gardener and later, tasked him to bring almost every exotic plant from Europe. The later included a few variety of plants from the French King Louis-Philippe’s Gardens of Versailles.

The paper covers those plants of the Dadiani with edible and medicinal uses which are included in the Red Data Book as well as in the Global Red List. The paper provides description of dissemination area of these plants, their bio-morphological characteristics, chemical constituents and utilization in medicine with the purpose of treating various diseases.