Arabis caucasica, commonly known as garden arabis, mountain rock cress, or Caucasian rockcress, is an evergreen perennial herb belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to regions including Crimea, Turkey, Iran, the Caucasus, and the Mediterranean, thriving in crevices of limestone rocks, along streams, and in alpine meadows.
On Mount Hermon, Arabis caucasica contributes to the unique high-altitude flora. The mountain’s upper slopes are characterized by “tragacanth” vegetation, dominated by rocky terrains interspersed with low, spiny shrubs such as Vicia, Erodium, Astragalus, and Acantholimon. In these alpine environments, delicate flowers like Arabis caucasica can be found nestled among the rocks and in sheltered spots.
This species typically grows up to 20 cm in height and blooms in early spring, producing fragrant white flowers arranged in loose racemes. The plant forms dense, whitish cushions measuring 10-23 cm across and is adapted to grow on cliffs and rocky substrates. Its leaves are gray-green, oval-shaped, and toothed, forming loose rosettes. The plant is hermaphroditic, with both male and female organs, and is pollinated by bees and Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies).
In cultivation, Arabis caucasica is valued for its early spring blooms and is often used in rock gardens, as groundcover, or in border plantings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating hot, dry conditions and somewhat infertile soils. After flowering, cutting back the foliage can promote a denser growth habit.
On Mount Hermon, Arabis caucasica is part of a diverse plant community that includes many species with medicinal properties. A study documented 169 taxa used to treat a wide spectrum of human ailments, highlighting the rich ethnobotanical knowledge associated with the mountain’s flora.
The presence of Arabis caucasica on Mount Hermon underscores the mountain’s ecological significance and the importance of conserving its unique habitats.
