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Ionian Flora
(continued)

 

Forests & Vegetation The Vegetation of Zakynthos a status report by Paul Whitehead An approximation of closed canopy forest exists locally in the south eastern peninsula where, in Xercastello area, Quercus coccifera L.of large tree size forms a mountain ridge drape, with aged Phillyrea latifolia L., mature Cupressus sempervirens L.(both varieties), and well-developed Pistacia lentiscus L. This has high conservation value subject to its continued exclusion from cyclic burning. Pinus halepensis Mill is a natural mountian plateau survivbor or regenerative, following burning on thin soils, and is planted as shelterbelts and slope-fixatives. Some of the pines show characters of Pinus brutia Ten. (regarded in Greece as a distinct species), the two forming introgressive hybrids.   Historic landscape marker trees, characteristic of medieval Europe, and generally declined, can still be seen near old settlements, and include such species as Pinus pinea L. Populus alba L.,(some planted early this century) and some areas, fine open-grown Ulmus canescens Melville. In the mountain villages some of these old trees still serve useful purposes, but many, like an ancient coppiced Ceratonia well marker at Porto Roma are no more.   The wealth of herbaceous perennial plants which follows in the wake of cyclic burning is soon replaced by the well-known macquis with its characteristic xerophytes such as Calicotome and Sarcopoterium. The Phrygana is a characteristic community of almost equidistantly spaced subshrubs, such as Cistus and Sarcopoterium often on thin soils in maritime exposure. On some of the northern mountain plateaux, Thymus capitatus(L) Hoffmans. and Link becomes dominant and forms a characteristic communitiy. The macquis and Phrygana both have characteristic invertebrate faunas.   Forest conservation a cause for concern The long standing mixed pine forest of the Vasilkos Peninsila provide a verdant backdrop to the beaches and important sanctuary for migratory and resident birds. During the year 2000 season, Earth Sea & Sky volunteers cleared tonnes of rubbish from the forest interior.             Help us safeguard the future of these unique habitats and ensure the survival of some of the worlds most endangered wildlife species.             Back   Continued