CyclamenT h e S o c i e t y Cyclamen colchicum (Albov) Correvon - Field Study 2013

Martyn Denney, The Cyclamen Society, United Kingdom Manana Khutsishvili, Ilia State University Institute of Botany, Republic of Georgia

20 October 2013 Interim Report

1 Background Cyclamen L. are a genus in the family of Primulaceae of from 23 to 29 species depending upon the taxonomy adopted for subgenus Gyrophoebe Schwarz, series Pubipedia Schwartz.

Cyclamen colchicum (Albov) Correvon is a late summer flowering species that is endemic to Abkhazia, Zemo- Svaneti, Samegrelo and Racha-Lechchumi in the Republic of Georgia. It was first described by the Russian botanist Nicolai Albov from the Gorge of the Okumi River in Abkhazia initially in 1894 as Cyclamen europaeum var. ponticum and in 1895 as C. europaeum var. colchicum . The same year, his friend Henry Correvon elevated it to specific level in his name. Albov also said that Cyclamen europaeum var. typicum (= C. purpurascens Mill.) was found on the high mountains of Samegrelo, an opinion shared by Otto Schwartz from Jena (Denney 2012).

The Herbaria of the Ilia State University Institute of Botany (TBI) and the Simon Janashia State National Museum of Georgia (TGM) hold specimens of C. colchicum recorded from a number of locations in Samegrelo which – with the exception of recently discovered populations in the Khobistskali Gorge (Trivedi & Mikatadze- Pantsulaia 2012) – had not been visited by botanists in recent years, in some cases for several or many decades.

The objects of the 2013 Field Study carried out from 15-26 August 2013 were to (a) confirm the current distribution and conservation status of Cyclamen colchicum , and in particular whether populations continue to exist at the historic sites; and (b) establish whether there are one or two species of late summer flowering cyclamen in the study area.

2 Habitat 2.1 Geology and Growing Medium Cyclamen colchicum only grows on Upper Jurassic and Cretaceous limestone rocks or where the underlying rock is limestone. All known sites are on this strata and attempts to locate populations of Cyclamen colchicum on adjacent non-calcareous sedimentary rocks failed.

Although at all sites visited C.colchicum was closely associated with limestone rock, often growing in tiny crevices or accumulations of soil with the rock, the pH values of the growing medium itself varied from 6.5 – 7.9 and in most locations was largely inorganic. Leaching by rainfall would tend to remove the alkaline components, lowering pH, and this would be enhanced by the increasing organic content. The organic matter that was present was generally fragments of plant roots, mosses and sometimes leaves or rotting wood. An analysis of growing media at the sites visited can be found in Appendix 2.

2.2 Altitude Nicolai Albov described Cyclamen colchicum at its locus classicus in the Okumi River Gorge at an altitude of 300m. He also recorded what he called Cyclamen europaeum var. typicum (= C. purpurascens Mill.) at between 1800 - 2000m. on Migaria and Dzhwari (= Jvari), 1980 – 2000m. on Kwira (= Kvira), 2400m. on Aschi (= Askhi) and between 2400 – 2500m. on Ocháczkue (= Okhachkue).

During the 2013 field study using GPS devices with a typical 3D accuracy of ±10m. C. colchicum was recorded at altitudes ranging from 450 – 1928m.

2.3 Aspect, Slope and Shade The majority of Cyclamen colchicum were growing in open conditions with shade provided only by their aspect if the degree of slope was sufficient for this. At these sites the degree of slope varied from vertical (90 °) to approximately 35 ° A few plants at the bottom of some sites were shaded by shrubs or juvenile trees. With the exception of two locations the plants were found growing at sites in the easterly half of the compass, ranging from north-northeast round to south-southeast.

One high altitude (1980m.) alpine meadow site (see section 4.2.1) was very open with a minimal slope and protection only offered by the small rocks, rock outcrops and other plants which had little or no effect on the amount of light reaching the plants. Here, the generally south-southwesterly aspect of the site would be insignificant.

One low altitude (450m.) site on a cliff high above a river (see section 4.1.2.1) where the majority of the plants were growing on a large ledge at an approximate angle 45 ° had an aspect of northwest. There is no explanation for this anomaly.

3 Distribution Cyclamen colchicum is currently confined to the eastern part of Abkhazia, Samegrelo and southwest Svaneti – with the exception of one high altitude population a few hundred metres inside the extreme west of Racha- Lechkhumi. Unfortunately the populations in Abkhazia and in the mountains west of the Enguri River are not currently accessible to western or Georgian botanists.

Due to pressures of time and economics the study was carried out by following forest tracks rather than exploring on horse-back or hiking. Necessarily therefore, the sites found represent a cross-section through the forest and mountain areas and almost certainly are indicative of wider populations where the habitat is correct in the same general area.

Sites found fall roughly into two categories: Relatively low level river valley locations and high level alpine meadows. GPS co-ordinates for these sites are in Appendix 1 (restricted circulation). Herbarium voucher specimens for all sites visited by the team are held at TBI.

One site not visited by us but recorded in August 2012 by Sandro Kolbaia is also noted below. Areas visited but where no Cyclamen colchicum were observed are also listed.

3.1 River Valleys & Gorges 3.1.1 Khobistskali Gorge A site in the Khobistskali Gorge was originally recorded by Manana Khutsishvili, 08-10-2010. Herbarium voucher specimen held at TBI

Three populations were observed by the team at altitudes between 600 – 630 m.

3.1.1.1 Site at 606m. (Cyclamen Society reference 13/01) A small population of less than 100 plants of Cyclamen colchicum growing on limestone cliffs in rock crevices and on ledges in accumulations of soil with a high mineral content and rock fragments. Relatively dry open conditions with some plants in approximately 25% shade provided by shrubs & juvenile trees. Aspect south-southeast; slope from vertical to 45 °. Soil pH: 6.7

Some natural regeneration with juvenile plants at the 2-3 leaf stage.

Principal companion plants: Alnus barbata (syn. Alnus glutinosa subsp. Barbata), Rhododendron ponticum, Philadelphus caucasicus (syn. Philadelphus coronaries), Hedera colchica, Rubus sp ., Polypodium vulgare, Asplenium trichomanes

3.1.1.2 Site at 622m. (Cyclamen Society reference 13/02) A population of possibly between 100 - 200 plants of Cyclamen colchicum growing on limestone cliffs both in the main valley and the gorge of a tributary stream, in rock crevices and on ledges amongst mosses in accumulations of soil consisting of a brown loam with rock fragments. Relatively dry open conditions with an easterly aspect in the main valley with the majority of plants on inaccessible high open rock ledges, but a few low level plants shaded by juvenile trees. In the tributary gorge, C. colchicum was growing in damper conditions in rock crevices and on ledges in 25-50% shade with a north-northeast aspect Soil pH: 6.7

Khobistskali Gorge : Herbarium voucher specimen held at TBI. Manana Khutsishvili, 8th October 2010. Strong evidence of natural regeneration with juvenile, white, 1-5mm tubers in rock crevices and semi- mature seedlings scattered around parent plants.

Principal companion plants: Alnus barbata (syn. Alnus glutinosa subsp. Barbata), Castanea sativa, Ilex colchica, Rhododendron ponticum, Laurocerasus officinalis, Philadelphus caucasicus (syn. Philadelphus coronaries), Hedera colchica, Brunnera macrophylla, Rubus sp .

3.1.1.3 Site at 630m. (Cyclamen Society reference 13/03) A small population of less than 100 plants of Cyclamen colchicum growing on open ledges on a north- northeast facing limestone cliff in the main valley and in approximately 50% shade on the damp north facing side of the dry gulley of a seasonal tributary stream. Soil pH: 6.5

Some natural regeneration with seedlings observed in the tributary gulley.

Principal companion plants: Laurocerasus officinalis, Rhododendron ponticum, Hedera colchica, Rubus caucasicum, Hypericum androsaemum, Pteris cretica, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Asplenium trichomanes

3.1.2 Tekhura River Valley towards Lebarde A site at an altitude of 700m. was originally recorded by Moisei Sokhadze, 08-08-1965. Herbarium voucher specimen held at TGM

Three populations were found by the team at altitudes between 450 – 920m.

3.1.2.1 Site at 450m. (Cyclamen Society reference 13/05) An inaccessible thriving population high on a northwest facing limestone cliff above the River Tekhura. Cyclamen colchicum growing on two or three ledges (one very large) in accumulations of soil.

Visible companion plants: Populus sp., Staphylea colchica, Castanea sativa, Picea orientalis

3.1.2.2 Site at 470m. (Cyclamen Society reference 13/06) A small population of apparently less than 50 plants growing on a limestone cliff, limestone scree and in humus-rich soil amongst mosses under shrubs. A site with a southeast aspect with open scree & cliff areas, and an area under shrubs with up to 75% shade. Generally damp conditions both under the surface of the scree and in the shaded areas. Soil pH: 7.9

Evidence of minor atural regeneration in shaded areas.

Principal companion plants: Smilax excelsa, Carpinus caucasica (syn. Carpinus betulus), Buxus colchica (syn. Buxus sempervirens), Hedera colchica, Andrachne colchica (syn. Leptopus colchicus)

3.1.2.3 Site at 920m. (Cyclamen Society reference 13/07) A site extending over several hundred horizontal metres from an altitude of approximately 920m. to 933m. Cyclamen colchicum growing in accumulations of a dark brown humic loam with rock fragments on ledges on near vertical limestone outcrops and low cliffs with a generally easterly aspect with grasses below. Some areas of the site are shaded up to about 20% by the tree canopy whilst other parts are open. Soil pH: 6.7

Some evidence of widespread natural regeneration.

Principal companion plants: Alnus incana,Castanea sativa, Tilia begoniifolia, Campanula alliariifolia, Rubus sp.

3.2 High Altitude Alpine Meadows 3.2.1 Mount Kvira A site from an altitude of 1980m upwards, originally recorded by Nicolai Albov for Cyclamen europæum (= C. purpurascens ), 28-07-1894 under his collection No. 270. Herbarium voucher specimen held by TBI.

A very large stable population spread over a wide area from a lowest altitude of 1675m and upwards for a horizontal distance of over 1.5km. An open, damp alpine meadow of brown humic loam with limestone outcrops and loose rocks, a varying slope from flat in places to around 25-30% and an aspect ranging from Tekhura River Valley : Herbarium voucher specimen held at TGM. Moisei Sokhadze 8th August 1965 south-southwest (to southeast). Cyclamen colchicum growing amongst dense herbage and grasses distributed as single plants and clusters in alpine turf and especially around limestone outcrops and rocks, and within crevices in outcrops. Approximate density of cyclamen ranging from 1 – 10 mature plants per square metre but with patches containing no cyclamen plants. Soil pH: 6.9

Many cyclamen plants were observed to concurrently have 2012 foliage, 2013 foliage, 2012 mature seed capsules, 2013 juvenile seed capsules, open flowers and flower buds. There was evidence of wide natural regeneration from seed with juvenile plants distributed around parents, sometimes in dense clusters from the contents of a single capsule.

Principal companion plants: Rhododendron luteum, Daphne pontica, D. glomerata, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Woronowia speciosa, Astrantia colchica, Centaurea cheiranthifolia (syn. Cyanus cheiranthifolius), Solidago caucasica (syn. Solidago virgaurea subsp. Caucasica), Swertia iberica, Betonica

Mount Kvira : Herbarium voucher specimen held by TBI. Nicolai Albov 28th July 1894. Coll. No. 270 macrantha, Scabiosa colchica, Primula sp., Trifolium sp .

3.2.2 Mt. Jvari – Migaria Massif Mt Jvari (Dzhwari) and Mt Migaria were locations originally cited by Nicolai Albov (1894) for Cyclamen europæum (= C. purpurascens ). For Mt. Migaria see section 4.4.2 below.

Mt Jvari was recorded by Dmitrii Ivanovich Sosnowsky, 24-07-1913 - Herbarium voucher specimen held at TBI.

On Mt. Jvari, Cyclamen colchicum was found in a stable population of many hundreds of plants at an altitude of 1590m., growing amongst herbage in damp alpine meadow conditions amongst limestone outcrops & rocks. A very open situation with perhaps 5% shade on an approximately 35 ° slope with an easterly aspect. The population extended northwards over a horizontal distance of some 270m with the aspect changing to east-northeast. Although this site was open and the slope not great, Mt Jvari rising above the site would effect the amount of light available to the plants in the later part of the day. Soil pH: 7.5

There was evidence of significant natural regeneration with seedlings in varying stages of development.

Principal companion plants: Picea orientalis, Fagus orientalis, Rhamnus imeretina, Daphne pontica, Origanum vulgare, Calamintha grandiflora, Aconitum orientale, Swertia iberica, Salvia glutinosa, Gentiana schistocalyx (syn. Gentiana asclepiadea), Euphorbia sp ., Pteridium tauricum, mosses and grasses.

Mount Jvai: Herbarium voucher specimen held at TBI. Dmitrii Ivanovich Sosnowsky 24th July 1913

3.3 High Altitude Rock Outcrops 3.3.1 Jvari Pass, Janauli Valley A site on the Jvari Pass above the Janauli (Jonoula) Valley was originally recorded by Kukuri Romanovich Kimeridze, 06-08-1980. Herbarium voucher specimen held at TGM.

A small outcrop of limestone in short alpine turf hosting a confined small population of up to 100 plants of Cyclamen colchicum at an altitude of 1928m. A very exposed 45 ° rock-face with an east-northeast aspect. Plants growing in crevices and pockets of black humic loam. Soil pH: 7.3

Clear evidence of significant regeneration – surprising considering the exposed and limited nature of the site.

Principal companion plants: Woronowia speciosa,Gentiana septemfida, Alchemilla sp ., Asplenium trichomanes. Nearby: Daphne albowiana, Crocus vallicola

Jvari Pass : Herbarium voucher specimen held at TGM. Kukuri Kimeridze. 6th August 1980 3.4 Locations recorded recently by members of the team, but not during the Field Study 3.4.1 Valley of the River Magana Site Recorded by Sandro Kolbaia, 11 th August 2012 A rock outcrop on a wooded slope near to the confluence of the River Jolora and the River Magana on the northern side of Mount Kvira at an altitude of 942m.

3.4.2 Mount Migaria Site recorded by Manana Khutsishvili and Paul Bartlett 19 th September 2013. Mt Migaria was a location originally cited by Nicolai Albov (1894) for Cyclamen europæum (= C. purpurascens ). It was also recorded by Boris Konstantinovich Schischkin, 19-08-1923 – Herbarium voucher specimen held at TGM.

During the field study the team visited the western part of Mt. Migaria but no Cyclamen were observed but it was thought likely that C. colchicum did exist on Migaria on limestone outcrops on the eastern side of the summit where the aspect would be easterly. Lack of time and the fact that the weather was closing in prevented exploration further east.

During a later field study looking at Betula megrelica Sosn., Manana Khutsishvili and Paul Bartlett found an extensive population of C. colchicum on the north side of Mt Migaria at 1643m growing amongst grasses and herbs below limestone cliffs in a similar habitat to that on Mt. Jvari.

Mount Migaria: Herbarium voucher specimen held at TGM. Boris Konstantinovich Schischkin 19th August 1923. Mount Migaria photos copyright Paul Bartlett Cyclamen colchicum - Distribution of Sites (sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5)

Cyclamen Society Site reference (8 = 13/08) Sites visited where no C. colchicum were found (section 4.5)

Sites referred to in section 4.4 Map data ©2013 Google 3.5 Locations visited where Cyclamen colchicum was not found

3.5.1 Enguri Valley (east side), north of Jvari The east side of this valley from the town of Jvari, north to Tobari has the correct geology for Cyclamen colchicum and the altitude is high enough, but the aspect is wrong and no cyclamen were found.

3.5.2 Chachkhobi Gorge This small limestone gorge near Tsachkhura is at a low altitude and although the geology and habitat are correct, no cyclamen were found.

3.5.3 Lebarde The Tekhuri Valley is the approach route to Lebarde and contains populations of C. colchicum as discussed in section 4.1.2. The Lebarde mountain area around and above the Lebarde ‘Resort’ does not host C. colchicum . The rocks are not limestone and are possibly tholeitic or andesitic volcanic rocks of the Middle Jurassic.

3.5.4 Askhi Massif The Askhi Massif consists of a limestone ridge on the northern side of a high altitude limestone plateau.. The plateau supports large herds of cattle that produce milk for the production of mountain cheese and some herds of horses. This results in severe over-grazing with close-cropped turf and populations of unpalatable plants such as Rumex sp., Gentiana sp., and Aconitum sp. No populations of Cyclamen colchicum were found.

3.5.5 Kheledula Valley, west of Lentekhi The Khelendula Valley west from Lentekhi is of a similar geology to the area around the Lebarde mountain. There are no limestone rocks and no Cyclamen colchicum were found.

3.5.6 Orbeli Pass The Orbeli Pass is on the road east-southeast from Tsageri towards Orbeli and reaches an altitude of around 1000m. The pass effectively faces south and the rocks above the pass to the north do not appear to be limestone and no Cyclamen colchicum were found.

4 Growth Cycle Amongst horticulturalists both Cyclamen colchicum and C. purpurascens have long been known to be different to other species of Cyclamen insofar as they have no dormant period, are in leaf throughout the year and that their seed takes approximately 12 months to mature.

Observations in the field support this view and suggest that these characteristics are more pronounced in C. colchicum than they are in C. purpurascens .

At the time of the field study during the last two weeks of August 2013 all populations of C. colchicum visited were in full flower.

Plants from most locations were found with leaves from both the 2012 and 2013 growing seasons. The life span of an individual leaf appears to vary a little with the habitat but generally can be taken as being between 12 and 15 months. Leaves from 2012 were found to be green and fully turgid on some plants at most locations as well as in varying stages of death (green with yellow markings, fully yellow, pale brown etc) on others. From measurements taken it appears that leaves that seem to be mature in late August continue to grow in size and become less pliable for a further 12 months. Observations about the morphology of C. colchicum where they relate to foliage – especially regarding leaf size and rigidity and whether the lamina is concave or convex – must therefore take into account whether the leaf being described is from the current or previous year.

At the end of August 2013, most sites contained plants that retained seed from the 2012 flowering season. In the lower altitude valley sites this was almost mature although the capsules had not yet opened. At the higher altitude sites the 2012 seed was less mature but would almost certainly be viable if collected and retained in the unopened capsules for a week or so.

At all sites, plants were seen with fertilised flowers and coiled down immature seed from the 2013 flowering season. It was therefore not unusual, especially at higher locations, to find on a single plant, leaves and almost mature seed capsules from 2012, leaves and immature seed capsules from 2013, and flowers.

C. colchicum (Albov) Correvon syntype No. 271 Okum River Gorge 02 September 1894 (TBI) C. colchicum collected by R. Suckow, Okum River Gorge 1987. RBG Kew 1987-3701

5 Morphology and Taxonomy Nicolai Albov described Cyclamen europaeum var. colchicum (= C. colchicum ) from the Okum River Gorge. All other populations of late summer flowering Cyclamen that he saw & recorded in Samegrelo he described as Cyclamen eurpaeum var. typicum (= C. purpurascens ). However in 1894 he also said:

In the Caucasus Cyclamen europaeum L. manifests a very pronounced tendency to vary. It appears here in two varieties. One of these is unique to the Alpine region of limestone mountains of Samourzakagne (Abkhazia South), Mingrelia and the other is in the lower regions of same mountains. They flower at the same time.

… thus suggesting that there was a high altitude form and a valley/gorge form throughout the area of distribution.

In separating the two varieties, he said that C. colchicum differed by its larger tubers, larger leaves (at times 7– 7.5cm long) which are always more or less regularly dentate and petals (1.5 – 1.8cm long) that are wider and obtuse.

5.1 Control Specimens

Since it is not currently possible to visit the Okum River Gorge, control data has been obtained from:

a. Albov’s herbarium specimen of C. colchicum No. 271 collected in the Okum River Gorge, 02 September 1894 held at TBI. See overleaf. It is interesting to note that the central plant on this herbarium sheet has one leave larger than the others and that it has dried brown whilst the others have dried grey-green.

Observations of the herbarium specimens collected during the field trip showed that leaves for the 2012 growing season changed to a yellow colour as they dried whilst those form the current (2013) growing season dried grey-green. This suggests that Albov’s specimen retained one leaf from 1893 whilst the remainder were leaves from the 1894 season. b. A plant of C. colchicum collected by R. Suckow in 1987 in the Okum River Gorge and cultivated in the Alpine Department at RBG Kew (K 1987-3701). See above. Measurements taken from this plant as follow can be compared to those measurements taken in the field - see section 6.2 below: • Old mature leaf (2012): Length 79.4mm Width 77.50mm Lamina thickness 0.9mm • Mature Leaf (2013): Length 45.2mm Width 47.05mm Lamina thickness 0.7mm • Leaf reverse colour: Dark purple • Corolla lobe size: Length 22.8mm Width 9.3mm • Corolla lobe colour Lobe: 78C Nose: 78B • Scented

5.2 Data Collected During the Field Study Leaves and flowers were sampled at all sites visited during the field study with the exception of Cyclamen Society site reference 13/05 which was inaccessible. In each case pairs of a single leaf and single flower were measured so that in addition to assessing leaves and flowers as a whole, relationships between leaf and flower attributes could be studied. Measurements and observations taken are summarised as follows:

5.2.1 Leaves • Leaf lamina size: Length 22.6mm – 92.6mm; Width 19.1mm – 89.7mm • In 62.5% of samples the leaf lamina length exceeded the width • The ratio of leaf length to width varied from 0.86:1 – 1.184:1 • Generalising, leaf size diminishes as altitude increases and increases with the percentage of shade. It is accepted that to a considerable extent these factors go hand in hand since the higher altitude sites are more open. However, a shorter growing season at higher altitudes may also be a factor. • Both patterned and plain leaved plants occurred at all altitudes. Overall, approximately 30% of plants studied had patterned leaves, but there was a higher proportion of patterned leaves at the higher altitude locations: Lower altitude – 17%; Higher altitude – 43%. • Both high and low altitude populations contained plants with both convex and concave leaves, a slightly higher proportion being essentially convex rather than essentially concave. In some cases an essentially concave leaf lamina surface would have concave margins. This rolled-edge effect is particularly pronounced in older leaves and especially those from the previous growing season. It can be clearly seen in Albov’s syntype held at TBI. (See the inset image two pages back) • The thickness of the leaf lamina varied from 0.1mm – 0.8mm. Leaves from the previous growing season (2012) were considerably thicker than the current season (2013) leaves. There did not appear to be any correlation between this data and any other. • There was no correlation between either the width or depth of leaf margin dentations and any other data including leaf size. • There was a good correlation between altitude and the colour of the underside of the leaf. Green- backed leaves only occurring in lower altitude populations and darker red backed leaves occurring at higher altitudes • There was a good correlation between the colour of the leaf reverse and the colour of the corolla lobes. The darkest coloured corolla lobes occurred on plants with the darkest coloured leaf reverse. • There was no correlation between leaf and corolla lobe size.

5.2.2 Flowers • Corolla lobe size: Length 11.8mm – 28.2mm; Width 5.95mm – 12.8mm • Ratio of Corolla lobe length to width varied from 1.68:1– 3.93:1 • There was a general correlation between corolla lobe size and altitude, the plants with the longer corolla lobes occurring in the lower valley/gorge populations. • Corolla lobe colour: Using the RHS colour chart, 98% of sampled flowers had corolla lobes of a colour in Purple Group sheet 78: • 72A – 2%; • 78A – 19%; • 78B – 42%; • 78C – 27%; • 78D – 10%. Note: within a sheet A is the darkest shade and D the lightest. There was a significant correlation between flower colour and altitude. Most occurrences of 78A & 78B were recorded from high altitude sites, whilst most occurrences of 78C & 78D were from lower altitude valley/gorge sites. • ‘Nose’ colour: In 96% of the plants sampled, the ‘nose’ of the flower – the point at which the corolla lobes reflex – was a darker shade than the rest of the lobe. In 71% this was 78A; 19% had a nose of shade 77A – essentially, those plants with a corolla lobe of colour 78A. • Corolla lobe twist: • 0º – 4.0% • 45º – 18.75% • 90º – 6.25% • 135º – 14.6% • 180º – 6.25% • All flowers, with the exception of one, were scented. • In all flowers the style was exserted.

5.3 Conclusions Based on the morphology we have no doubt that the populations of late summer flowering Cyclamen observed during the field study are the same species as that recorded from the Okum River Gorge – Cyclamen colchicum. The data collected from the Suckow collection cultivated at Kew (1987-3701) fit within the measured ranges found during the field study (with the exception of the lamina thickness of the presumed 2012 leaf which is 0.01mm thicker than the most robust leaf encountered in the field) as do the measurements it is possible to take from the Albov syntype held at TBI.

Leaf samples collected during the field study and stored in silica gel, together with similar control samples from the Suckow collection from the locus classicus (RBG Kew 1987-3701) and from wild collected plants of C. purpurascens are to be sent for DNA sequencing. It is hoped that the amount of separation in the DNA of the samples collected in Samegrelo from these control samples will confirm the morphological observations. A final version of this report will be issued when the results of the laboratory work are known.

Albov said that the tubers of Cyclamen colchicum are larger than those of C. purpurascens. Although we have no data to back up the assertion, we would consider that this is not the case, and that they are generally of a similar size. In addition, there is no significant difference in the roots which appear from any point on the tuber.

One difference that can be observed is that where Cyclamen colchicum tubers have not become corky through extended exposure to the air, they can often have an almost translucent appearance and are coloured a greenish- yellow, somewhat brighter and more yellow than the equivalent characteristic in C. purpurascens.

Albov visited the Okum River Gorge in mid-October 1893 and early September 1894, whilst we know from his herbarium sheet for Mount Kvira (TBI) that he was there in late July 1894. His observations about the differences between his C. europaeum var. typicum and his C. europaeum var. colchicum may be explained by a combination of the different point in the growth cycle that he visited the respective populations and the environmental factors and shorter growing season that contribute to smaller leaves at the higher altitude sites.

6 Conservation 6.1 Accessibility Cyclamen are prone to both opportunistic and planned illegal collection – usually on a small scale. All locations where Cyclamen colchicum was found are inaccessible by an ordinary car. Approximately 50% require a 4-wheel drive vehicle, whilst the remainder require the use of a 6-wheel drive truck. This relative inaccessibility is undoubtedly the best defence against illegal collection.

The ‘road’ to Mt. Jvari and Mt. Migaria

6.2 Risks 6.2.1 Habitat Change Deforestation through logging or for other reasons is a serious threat to the survival of many cyclamen species. Although there is no overt threat of deforestation in the areas where Cyclamen colchicum grows, there is every likelihood that it would survive this type of upheaval far better than other species due to the way in which it grows in open situations.

A greater threat is that from over grazing. Albov listed the Askhi Massif amongst his locations for C. europaeum var. typicum . Today Askhi is a centre of mountain cheese production and the limestone plateau supports many herds of dairy cattle and some horses. The area is heavily grazed and comprises short grasses and unpalatable plants such as Rumex sp. and Aconitum sp. During the field study no cyclamen were found here.

Both Mt. Kvira and the area between Mt. Jvari and Mt. Migaria support a single herd of dairy cattle each for cheese production. Currently the The Askhi Limestone Plateau—Rumex sp. in the foreground. quantity of available fodder plants is such that although cattle graze the areas where Cyclamen colchicum grows in both locations the cyclamen are uneffected. If the number of herds were to increase on either mountain the pressure on fodder may diminish the cyclamen populations and over grazing to the extent seen on Askhi would eliminate them.

6.2.2 Hydro-electric Schemes Georgia is a country that is rich in water courses that are suitable for hydro-electric schemes and the government recognises that development of these resources would benefit the country economically through the ability to export power to neighbouring states that have a shortage of electricity. Fortunately, it is also understood that the development of large scale dams would have an unacceptable impact on the environment and therefore in some areas the government favours in-river cascades that keep flooding to a minimum.

There are a number of schemes in valleys where Cyclamen colchicum is found although it is not clear - particularly in the case of the Tekhuri Valley - whether some of the schemes are alternatives.

The impact on populations of Cyclamen through these schemes can come directly from the sites being flooded and indirectly through the environmental impact during the construction phase. Post construction the improvement to roads in order to provide access for operations and maintenance increases the risk of illegal collection taking place.

The direct impact on sites visited during the field study would depend on the exact placement of the works but the most vulnerable sites are likely to be Cyclamen Society references 13/05 and 13/06 in the Tekhuri Valley. The sites in the Khobistskali Gorge and the higher site (13/07) in the Tekhuri Valley may be sufficiently above the river not to be affected. Proposed Hydro-electric Schemes in Valleys Where Cyclamen colchicum is Found Project Name River Name Projected installed Regulation Type Generation Emission Capacity (MW) Min. kw/h reduction t/ co2 Magana HPP Magana 21.3 Reservoir 115.94 46370.2 Leqarde HPP Magana 20.0 Run-of-the-River 107.03 42806.6 Erjia HPP Tekhuri 24.4 Run-of-the-River 136.60 54633.2 Tskhimra HPP Tekhuri 29.0 Reservoir 159.55 63812.0 Nobulevi HPP Tekhuri 18.5 Reservoir 107.36 42938.6 Lechakha HPP Tekhuri 18.8 Reservoir 118.71 47478.1 Tekhuri 1-6 HPP Tekhuri 19.2 Run-of-the-River 19.30 7719.0 Khobi HPP 1 Khobis Tskali 27.0 Run-of-the-River 156.00 62392.2 Khobi HPP 2 Khobis Tskali 31.0 Run-of-the-River 177.20 70871.1 Khobi HPP 3 Khobis Tskali 9.0 Run-of-the-River 51.30 20517.4

6.3 Natural Regeneration At all sites visited during the field study there was clear evidence of natural regeneration from seed with juvenile tubers in the vicinity of parent plants. Many of these juveniles had seedling foliage but curiously, in one or two places there were dormant small white tubers, without foliage, in rock crevices. The amount of regeneration varied significantly and at most sites was merely at a level that would sustain the existing population rather than enlarging it.

6.4 Sustainable Seed Collection There is a recognised need to collect seed of Cyclamen colchicum for conservation purposes. The majority of populations visited are too small to support a significant collection of seed for any reason. Fortunately, the ‘alpine meadow’ populations on Mount Kvira and on the twin mountains of Jvari and Migaria are large enough and dense enough to allow for collection for seed bank deposits without any significant impact on the survival of any of these populations.

7 References Alboff, N (1894): ‘Nouvelles Contributions a la Flore de la Transcaucasie. II Quelques plantes nouvelles du Caucase’. Bulletin de L’Herbier Boissier II 4, 247-258.

Alboff, N (1895): ‘Prodromus Floræ Colchicæ’ 166 Tiflis, Geneva.

Correvon, H (1895): ‘Les Plantes Alpines et de Rocailles’ 98. Librairie Agricole. Paris

Denney, M (2012) ‘The Name Behind C. colchicum Albov’. Jour CycSoc 36(2) :54-59

Royal Horticultural Society (1995) RHS Colour Chart. London

Trivedi, C & Mikatadze-Pantsulaia, T (2012) ‘New populations of C. colchicum in Georgia’ Jour CycSoc 36 (2) :52-53

8 Acknowledgements The field study was fully funded by the Cyclamen Society. The Millenium Seed Bank Partnership (RBG Kew) Mitsubishi 4x4 vehicle was made available to the team Clare Trevidi, International Co-ordinator, Millenium Seed Bank Partnership, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Wakehurst) acted as the catalyst that initialized this project. Richard Wilford, Collections Manager and Interim Head of Hardy Display Section, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew provided leaf material for DNA analysis from a plant of C. colchicum collected by R. Suckow at 550m in the Okum River Gorge in 1987. Paul Bartlett, Garden Manager, Stone Lane Gardens, Chagford, Devon , U.K. provided photographs and information about the population of cyclamen on Mt. Migaria. Sandro Kolbaia provided information about the population of Cyclamen colchicum in the valley of the River Magana, Tsira Mikatadze-Pantsulaia, Head of the Department of Plant Conservation, National Botanic Garden of Georgia was the sponsored the field study during the planning stages. The authors are grateful to other members of the field study team, including Sandro Kolbaia, the local guides – especially Roman Tolordava – and the various drivers of trucks and other vehicles.

APPENDIX 1 – GPS Co-ordinates (Restricted Circulation)

Location Cyclamen Society Altitude GPS Co-ordinates Site Reference Khobistskali Gorge 13/01 606m Khobistskali Gorge 13/02 622m Khobistskali Gorge 13/03 630m Mount Kvira 13/04 1980m Tekhura River Valley 13/05 450m Tekhura River Valley 13/06 470m Tekhura River Valley 13/07 920m Mount Jvari 13/08 1590m Jvari Pass, above Janauli (Jonoula) 13/09 1928m Magana River Valley 942m Mount Migaria 1643m

APPENDIX 2 – Growing Media Analysis

Cyclamen Society Description pH Site Reference 13/01 Inorganic well-drained. The small organic component included fragments of leaf, root and 6.7 moss. The one fragment of rock present in the sample was a breccia. 13/02 Very organic-rich, red-brown soil, well-drained. The less-decomposed organic materials 6.7 included roots and moss. Small rock fragments present appeared to be as site 13/01.

13/03 Largely inorganic. Very fine-grained red-brown , almost clayey; heavy and poorly-drained. 6.5 The small organic component comprised root and moss fragments. Small rock fragments as site 13/01 13/04 Largely inorganic. Very fine-grained red-brown , almost clayey; heavy and poorly-drained. 6.9 The small organic component comprised root fragments. Small rock fragments as site 13/01

13/06 Largely inorganic. Very fine-grained red-brown , almost clayey; heavy and poorly-drained. 7.9 The small organic component comprised root and leaf fragments. A fragment of very friable, highly-crystalline limestone was present in the sample.

13/07 About 50/50 inorganic/organic. The inorganic component was very fine-grained red-brown , 6.7 almost clayey; heavy and poorly-drained. The fibrous organic component comprised fragments of root, leaf and rotten wood.

13/08 Largely inorganic. Very fine-grained red-brown , almost clayey; heavy and poorly-drained. 7.5 The very small organic component comprised fine root and twig fragments. A fragment of friable crystalline limestone with a few fossils was present in the sample.

13/09 Largely inorganic. Very fine-grained red-brown , almost clayey; heavy and poorly-drained. 7.5 The small organic component comprised highly-decomposed material (humus) and a few root fragments. A fragment of hard fossiliferous limestone was present in the sample.