Medicinal Plants of the Nakerala and Khvamli Ridges and Their Distribution Locations

Abstract

The medicinal plants growing in the flora of the Nakerala and Khvamli Ridges were systematically studied. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been widely used in medicine and perfumery as valuable raw materials for the production of antiviral, antibacterial, antispasmodic, hypotensive, cardiovascular, dermatological, anthelmintic, and secretion-stimulating preparations. A total of thirty medicinal plant species were identified within the study area. 30 species of medical plants were found in the study area. The dominant families are Labiatae, represented by three species, and Compositae, represented by five species. Twenty-one species are herbaceous, four are shrubs, and five are trees. Two species belong to ferns, one to gymnosperms, and twenty-seven to angiosperms. Only two species are endemic to the Caucasus: Senecio rhombifolius and Valeriana tiliifolia. The limestone ridge of Nakherala is separated into a separate botanical geographical area - under the name of Nakherala District.   According to R. Gagnidze, and L. Kemularia-Natadze,  the Nakerala range is separated as a separate independent sub-district within the limits of the limestone range of Racha and Lechkhumi district.The latter includes 1. Lechkhumi-Racha low-mountainous sub-district; 2. Nakerala sub-district; 3. Satsalike-Khikhata-Leknari sub-district; 4. Shkmeri sub-district. In the Nakerala sub-district, the authors combine the Nakerala Ridge, the Tashava Massif, and the Shaori Basin. Our research area includes the western part of RachaRidge, particularly, The research was conducted during 2024 - 2025. Plant material was collected from locations where these species were particularly abundant during different phases of vegetation.