Välimerenkasvillisuus

Välimerenkasvillisuus, also known as Mediterranean vegetation, refers to the distinctive plant communities found in regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. This biome is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which strongly influence the types of plants that can thrive.

The flora of the Mediterranean basin is renowned for its biodiversity, with a high number of endemic species. Common plant types include evergreen shrubs and trees adapted to drought conditions. These adaptations often involve small, leathery leaves (sclerophyllous), which reduce water loss through transpiration. Many plants also have deep root systems to access groundwater.

Typical vegetation formations include maquis and garrigue. Maquis consists of dense, shrubby thickets, often dominated by species like holm oak, strawberry tree, and various heath species. Garrigue, found in drier, more exposed areas, is a lower, more open shrubland with plants such as aromatic herbs (rosemary, thyme, lavender) and thorny shrubs.

Coniferous forests, composed of species like Aleppo pine and stone pine, are also prevalent, particularly in mountainous areas. Deciduous trees like cork oak and various oak species are found in less arid zones. The long history of human settlement in the Mediterranean has significantly shaped its vegetation through agriculture, grazing, and deforestation, leading to a mosaic of natural and semi-natural landscapes. Fire is a natural ecological factor in many Mediterranean ecosystems, with many plant species adapted to regenerate after burns.