History of Science and Engineering Annotation << Back HISTORY OF COLLECTION OF PLANTS OF THE NATURAL FLORA OF THE CAUCASUS IN THE MAIN BOTANICAL GARDEN OF RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES V.V. Sokolova The creation of an exhibition of Caucasian plants began at the same time with the organization of the Main Botanical Garden in 1945. The collection was replenished by expeditions to the most interesting and distinctive areas of the Caucasus. Plants were collected on the territory of the whole North Caucasus and Transcaucasia. Plants were also obtained through exchanges between various botanical organizations. The principle of exhibiting the collection is to demonstrate the floristic groups representing the main types of vegetation of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. The excursion route covers the most important floral groups as much as possible. As a result of years of research, 1108 species of introduced tree and grass species of the Caucasian flora have been tested. Analysis of the data showed that the most stable individuals are obtained as a result of testing plants from different regions of the region. No less influence on the result of the research had the species of plant and care. To date, the collection has survived the most stable specimens. Most plants are between 20 and 50 years old; there are samples over 50 years old. Many of the tested plants are economically useful and promising for introduction into culture. Keywords: botanical garden; Caucasus; flora; introduction; plant biodiversity. DOI: 10.25791/intstg.12.2018.287 Contacts: E-mail: soka22@mail.ru Pp. 23-30.