Descending from high mountain peaks of plentiful alpine flora and descending through the multitude of botanical layers influenced by both Mediterranean and Atlantic habitats, The plantlife in Spain is a botanists dream.
From damp valleys to cliffs hit by the salty spray of ocean currents. Dry plains. Rolling hills or jagged mountains and on to the gentle Mediterranean sea and fixed sand dunes.
A few books about wild plants in Spain (and Europe)
Over 9000 species of trees and plants have adapted to these conditions, even in the most inhospitable situations.
The Atlantic weather strongly affects the plants of the north, many of these being shared with the neighbouring European countries. Trees such as Oak, Beech and Birch may be accompanied with Heather, Bracken and Wild rose.
Travel to the south and the climate changes to where you are more likely to see Aleppo pine, Cork oak, Umbrella pine with Lygos, European fan palm and Gum cistus.
Spain holds many plant wealthy pockets that have long been isolated, creating endemics to be discovered no where else in the world. The mountain ranges of the Pyrenees, Picos de Europa and Sierra Nevada captivate the botanist and nature lover alike.
More information about individual plants can be found on the following pages.
- Trees in Spain
- Orchids in Spain The Mediterranean species of orchids (Orchids in Spain) are all terrestrial (unlike the flamboyant tropical species that grow in tree hollows termed epiphytic.)
- Shrubs in Spain
They are under constant scrutiny by biologists and it seems are constantly being renamed and re categorized.
Grasses in Spain
The fascinating history of esparto grass. exported in massive quantities the 1900’s for paper production in Britain and used to create many household items.
Iberia Nature Forum
Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum!
Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.
The Grazalema Guide
The best way to see all our web projects in one place is over at the Grazalema Guide.
The Grazalema Guide – Tourist Information Portal for the Sierra de Grazalema, Wildside Holidays, The town of Ronda and the Caminito del Rey.