Wild Flowers of the Mediterranean [antikvár]

6 • INTRODUCTION The Mediterranean Region The Mediterranean region has an exceptionally rich flora, with over 10,000 species of flowering plant. Most of these are native to the region, but a significant number have been introduced from places as far afield as southern Africa and North America. This book covers herbaceous plants, shrubs, and a number of small trees that are typical of Mediterranean vegetation. '"p^he Mediterranean is a region of X marked seasonal contrasts. Winters are mild and moist, and only rarely bring frost, whereas summers are warm, with very little rainfall. The summer drought may last for over three months, and has far-reaching effects on plant life. Most plants grow in the cooler months, and contribute to a great burst of flowering in spring. In high summer, the majority of plants are either dormant or dead. The landscape turns dry and dusty, and relatively few wild flowers can be seen. The Yearly Cycle > Athens has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild moist winters. V The Mediterranean Region The range of olive cultivation provides a rough indication of the extent of the Mediterranean region. rainfall (mm) Athens temperature rc) 30 25 20 15 10 jfmamjjasond r