Flora of the Mediterranean
The plant life native to or established across the Mediterranean region, shaped by dry summers, mild wet winters, and varied habitats.
Mediterranean climate: A climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Its seasonal drought defines the region’s growing conditions.
Xerophyte: A plant adapted to survive in environments with little available water. Many regional species limit water loss or store water to endure summer drought.
Olive: An evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean Basin, cultivated for its fruit and oil. Wild and cultivated olives are defining trees of Mediterranean landscapes.
Mediterranean forest: A woodland ecosystem of the Mediterranean region, often dominated by evergreen oaks or pines. Forest composition and regeneration depend on climate, fire, and land management.
Sclerophyll: Vegetation dominated by plants with small, tough, evergreen leaves. This growth form is widespread among shrubs and trees adapted to summer drought.
Seed dormancy: A temporary state in which a viable seed does not germinate despite suitable conditions. Dormancy lets some plants wait through unfavorable seasons or until fire cues germination.
Cork oak: An evergreen oak native to the western Mediterranean, known for its thick cork-bearing bark. Its fire-resistant bark is a notable adaptation in landscapes with recurrent burns.
Habitat fragmentation: The division of continuous habitat into smaller, isolated patches. Roads, farming, and development can isolate plant populations across the region.
Summer drought: A period of low rainfall during the warmest months of the year. Plants must withstand months when water loss exceeds supply.
Serotiny: The retention of seeds in cones or fruits until a trigger, often fire, releases them. Some Mediterranean pines release seeds after heat or fire opens their cones.