BOX TREE AND YEW GROVE is part of the Caucasian National reserve. It covers 300 hectares (750 acres) and located 20 km from Sochi centre. The road to the grove runs along the right bank of the river Khosta. The valley deepens further upstream. When you enter the park you come to the primeval forest. The cool air is redolent with the misty smell of fallen leaves. The crowns form a solid green mass, obstructing the sunshine. Light green tufts of moss hang down from gnarled branches. The ancient beauty of the place is truly enchanting.
The box tree (Buxus sempervirens) is an evergreen tree with small leaves. It lives 500 to 600 years.
Yew trees grow slowly but are long-lived. Some of the giant yew trees in the grove are more than 700 years old.
Another attraction here is an ancient fortress ruin of unknown origin. The grove is also the home of many animals and birds. Visitors leave the box-tree grove deeply impressed by its imitable sanctuary of relict trees the only one of its kind in the world.