The Botanical Garden of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv has received a unique sapling – a descendant of the Gubec Lime, which is a natural and historical monument of Croatia. The ceremonial transfer was conducted by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Ukraine, Anica Jamic.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Symbol of Solidarity for Ukraine’s Independence Day
The gift is dedicated to Ukraine’s Independence Day as a symbol of support and solidarity from the Croatian people with Ukrainians. According to representatives of the diplomatic mission, this gesture signifies the close ties between the two countries and a shared aspiration for freedom and independence.
History and Significance of the Gubec Lime
The Gubec Lime is named after Matija Gubec — the leader of the uprising against the Habsburg monarchy in the 16th century, who is considered a national hero of Croatia. According to legend, it was under this lime tree in the Stubica Valley that the rebels gathered, and the plant itself has become a symbol of the struggle for freedom. In 2011, a special gene pool for this lime was established in Croatia to preserve it for future generations. One of the saplings from this gene pool now adorns the Botanical Garden of Taras Shevchenko National University.
The idea for the gift belongs to Anica Jamic. During the ceremonial event, she presented the director of the botanical garden, Marina Haidary, with a certificate from the Croatian Forest Research Institute, which confirms the origin of the sapling. The document certifies that the plant was obtained through cloning the gene of the Gubec Lime.
“This is a gift for Ukraine’s Independence Day and a symbolic sign of solidarity from the Croatian people with Ukrainians.”