In Turkey, we encounter 12,000 species of flowers, of which 3,000 are endemic. Approximately three hundred of these, including around 2500 rare species, are found in the Kaçkar Mountains, giving a detailed idea about the plant diversity within the borders of Rize. With 55% of the province’s lands (390,000 hectares) being forested areas, this richness is accentuated further.
The primary reasons for the diversity in flora are abundant rainfall and the moisture created by fog cover and forests. Rize, recording the highest average annual rainfall nationwide, harbors the rainforests of Turkey. These unique conditions led the region to be designated as one of 200 areas globally that need conservation by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Encompassing all habitats specific to the Eastern Black Sea region such as alluvial riverine forests (alder), broad-leaved temperate forests (oriental beech), coniferous oriental spruce forests, broadleaf and mixed forests, extensive alpine meadows, and rare boxwood forests, it has become an open-air museum for botanical tours and plant enthusiasts. Rize, marked as one of Turkey’s Important Plant Areas (IPA), offers opportunities to participate in botanical tours. Especially during spring, capturing photos of forest roses is a must. These roses, locally known as “komar,” exhibit tremendous visual appeal with their six different colors. Additionally, the diverse mushroom species fostered by the moist environment constitute a significant part of botanical tours.