Vegetation Regions and Native Flora of Spain
The Euro-Siberian Region
Located on the northern fringe of the peninsula (Galicia, Navarra, Basque Country, Aragon, and Catalonia), this region is characterized by lush deciduous forests. These forests are composed of tall trees with smooth stems and large leaves that fall in autumn. While the vegetation is very lush, it contains relatively few species.
Primary Species of the North
- The Beech (Fagus): This tree requires significant moisture and does not tolerate extreme temperatures. It is situated in valleys and low basal floors, serving as the tree par excellence of cool-humid mountains. It is a mountain tree known for its hard wood.
- The Oak: The oak cannot stand extreme temperature values and requires less moisture than the beech. It is typically located on the floor below the beech forests. Its hardwood is used for construction, furniture manufacture, and shipbuilding. It is being progressively replaced by pine.
- Secondary Species: The chestnut, ash, linden, elm, and hazel are secondary species occurring in this region.
The Mediterranean Region
This region occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, excluding the Pyrenees, Cantabrian Mountains, and Galicia. Its plant formations are adapted to summer drought through evergreen forests.
Evergreen Forest Characteristics
These forests consist of trees of medium height with straight trunks, thick bark, and branches that create large canopies. Key species include oaks, wild olives, junipers, and savin junipers.
- The Holm Oak (Encina): This is the most characteristic and widespread tree of the Mediterranean climate. It is drought-tolerant, adapts to all soil types, and produces hard, tough wood.
- The Cork Oak: This tree has more specific requirements than the holm oak; it requires winters that are not too extreme and moisture levels above 500 mm. It also tends to grow in siliceous terrain.
- The Pinsapo (Spanish Fir): An endemic and relic species, now well-protected, located in the Sierra de Grazalema. It has a modest trunk and requires high rainfall (over 1,000 mm per year) and a moderate thermal regime.
- The Pine: A secondary species that has largely replaced the oak and cork oak due to its ability to adapt to all conditions.
The Canarian or Macaronesian Region
The defining feature of the Canarian climate is its diversity and the existence of numerous endemic species and relics. This diversity is driven by the volcanic and mountainous nature of the islands.
Unique Island Flora
The most characteristic forests are the laurel forests (Laurisilva). These Tertiary-era broadleaf forests still cover extensive areas where optimal humidity is provided by the “sea of clouds.” Highlighted Macaronesian species include the Drago (Dragon Tree), which can live for several thousand years in dry areas, and the palm.
Special Vegetation Characteristics
Certain formations exist across regions but possess very specific characteristics based on their environment.
Riparian Vegetation
The constant presence of water on riverbanks allows specific species to thrive, creating a height and color contrast with the surrounding greenery. Riverside and gallery forests consist of species such as alder, willow, elm, ash, and poplar.
Mountain Vegetation
In mountainous areas, vegetation is organized into altitudinal floors. Species vary according to altitude, temperature, rainfall, and slope orientation.
- High Peaks: Covered by bare rocks, snow, and high meadows.
- Sub-alpine Level: Occupied by bushes, moorland (in the Atlantic region), or maquis and garrigue (in the Mediterranean region).
- Basal Floor: The third level is forested, typically featuring beech and oak.
