Plants for a Mediterranean Climate

The Ideal Climate for Species of Mediterranean Plants

May 4, 2009

The Mediterranean provides an ideal climate for many species of plants; many trees and flowers around the world grow in a 'perfect' Mediterranean climate of sun and rain.

The term Mediterranean is used to describe the climate synonymous with the region surrounding the Mediterranean sea although it is not exclusive to this region; Mediterranean climates are found in California, Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa, in addition to the 'true' Mediterranean regions of Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey.

What is a Mediterranean Climate?

A Mediterranean climate is made up of a long, hot summer with little rainfall and a mild, rainy winter; however, the amount of rainfall in a particular region may vary considerably and some countries may experience colder and wetter winters than others, although both regions may be described as having a Mediterranean climate.

Typical Mediterranean eco-systems occur 30 – 45 degrees latitude in the northern hemisphere and 30 – 40 degrees latitude in the southern hemisphere although, as mentioned above, areas of England, California, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa may have climates described as Mediterranean due to the position of the Gulf Stream.

Typical Trees of the Mediterranean

Typical trees of the Mediterranean region include trees such as oak and pine found in the Mediterranean countries of Italy and Spain; many Mediterranean forests contain ancient trees which have been around for a long time such as the holm oak (Quercus ilex), the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), and cypress and olive tree groves.

Herbs and Flowers of the Mediterranean

Mediterranean herbs and flowers spring up underneath the trees and shrubs and are commonly referred to as macquis; macquis plants include rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and rock rose (Helianthemum nummularium). It is also possible to find Spanish broom, juniper and gorse amongst the macquis. Mediterranean macquis is known as chaparral in California, heathlands in Australia and fynbos in South Africa.

Native and Non-Native Mediterranean Plants

Depending on the elevation levels and associated growing conditions, Mediterranean plants may include native cushion plants (for example, Anthyllis), aromatic herbs and both native and non-native plants; these include the citrus trees, introduced centuries ago into the Mediterranean region, and now believed to be 'native' by many, due to their longevity in the area.

Species of Mediterranean Plants

Many plants can be grown in a Mediterranean climate both in the wild and in the garden; examples of plant species suitable for a Mediterranean climate include:

Mediterranean Plants of the World

Demonstrating the diversity of the definition of the term Mediterranean, many Californian 'native' plants were known in England before their 'discovery' in the USA and many English gardens are filled with Mediterranean plants found in regions of Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Mediterranean plants can be successfully grown in many gardens throughout the world, given the right climate conditions.

References:

Gildemeister, Heidi 2002 Mediterranean Gardening: A Waterwise Approach USA: University of California Press

The copyright of the article Plants for a Mediterranean Climate in Plant Ecology is owned by Sharon Falsetto. Permission to republish Plants for a Mediterranean Climate in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.