XVI International Botanical Congess

The inhabitants of the taiga have learned to use natural resources with maximum efficiency. The animal-breeding has always provided the material for the basic needs of Siberian aborigines (foods, transport, dwelling,clothes), plants have been also used. TIMBER has been used as firewood and for building, making sledges, skis, bows, hollowed boats (cf.D.Defoe). The BIRCH and LARCH BARK are for boats (cf.H.Longfellow), vessels, roofings. Berries (mainly Vaccinium spp.), the Siberian stone pine seeds are the EDIBLE PLANT RESOURCES. Mushrooms were not consumed as ordinary food. Natural stimulators (Panax, Schisandra) and other MEDICINAL PLANTS (Juniperus, Rosa, Artemisia, etc.) are widely used. As a FORAGE lichens and forest plants are important for reindeer-breeders, while steppe grasses - for cattle- and horse-breeders, not to ignore the plants in the FOLKLORE (e.g. mythical world tree).