Rare Plant Blooms in Kuyalnik National Park

In the territory of Kuyalnik National Park in the Odesa region, a rare plant – Glycyrrhiza glabra (sweet root) has bloomed. This was reported on the official Facebook page of the park.

Key highlights:

• The blossoming sweet root in Kuyalnik National Park is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine;
• This plant thrives on the slopes and shores of Kuyalnik Liman, and its population holds significant conservation value;
• Known as licorice, the sweet root is valued not only for its medicinal properties but also for its unique flavor.

The sweet root is classified as «not evaluated» in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, indicating that there is insufficient data for a precise assessment, yet the plant requires protection. Additionally, the plant community dominated by licorice is included in the Green Data Book of Ukraine, which focuses on preserving valuable natural ecosystems.

Within the park, sweet root grows on the slopes and banks of Kuyalnik Liman, actively attracting insects, including butterflies. In the wild, this plant is rarely found, primarily in the southern steppes of Ukraine and coastal regions of the Black and Azov Seas.

Experts emphasize that many natural areas where sweet root once grew have suffered due to military actions. Therefore, the population in Kuyalnik National Park is crucial for preserving biodiversity.

The sweet root (licorice) is well-known for its medicinal qualities and sweet taste. Its roots yield glycyrrhizin – a substance that is 50 times sweeter than sugar, widely used in pharmaceuticals and the food industry.