chaparral

Chaparral is a dense, evergreen shrubland or heathland ecosystem characteristic of Mediterranean climates. It is dominated by sclerophyllous shrubs with tough, waxy leaves and a multi-layered structure that often includes small trees. Chaparral plants are adapted to hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, exhibiting drought tolerance and a mix of resprouting and seed-based regeneration after disturbance.

Geographic distribution and naming conventions vary. In North America, chaparral occurs mainly in southern and central California and the Baja California peninsula, occupying coastal hills, foothills, and montane zones. Similar Mediterranean-type shrublands exist around the world and are called maquis in parts of the Mediterranean Basin; the term chaparral is specifically associated with the California region.

Ecology and flora. The plant community includes many genera such as Arctostaphylos (manzanita), Adenostoma (chamise), and Ceanothus, with species composition influenced by soil depth, moisture, and aspect. Soils are typically shallow, well-drained, and nutrient-poor. Chaparral provides habitat for a wide array of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and pollinators, and it plays a role in watershed protection and local biodiversity.

Fire and disturbance. Chaparral is fire-prone and has historically burned at intervals that shaped its structure. After fire, some species reseed while others resprout, leading to post-fire regeneration. In recent decades, fire suppression, urban development, and invasive grasses have altered fire regimes and can change species composition and ecosystem resilience.

Conservation and management. Many chaparral areas are protected, but threats from development and altered fire regimes persist. Management approaches include invasive species control, restoration with native shrubs, and, where appropriate, prescribed burns to maintain ecosystem processes.