Flora and fauna of Italy. Geography, climate, fauna and flora of Italy Flora of Italy

The vegetation in Italy is very diverse. This is mainly a cultural landscape, excluding, of course, the highlands. One could call the landscape monotonous if not for the birch, oak and pine groves. By the way, it’s worth mentioning Italian pine trees separately. Wood from Italian pines from Weymouth and Vallechiana is transported to our country. Tourists who have seen pine trees will never forget their beauty - these are tall trees with an even trunk, the crown of which is crowned with a pink “mushroom”. When choosing the San Paolo Hotel in Venice for your holiday in Italy, the photo will show you what beautiful trees are planted around this hotel. Of course, the overall picture cannot be called a natural landscape, it is purely a view of a large metropolis, which, like other hotel complexes, sparkles with bright lights and spotlights in the evenings.

But we have moved away from the topic. Poplars and white acacia can be found in the floodplain of the Po River. But you will find shrubby vegetation and evergreen trees only along the coasts of the Alenny Peninsula. You will be surprised by the diversity of vegetation in this region - alpine pines, cacti, pine trees, agaves, palm trees, holm and cork oaks.

Despite the fact that subtropical crops predominate in Italy, for example, olives, figs, almonds, citrus fruits, pomegranate, here you can find wild olive, tree juniper, strawberry maquis, laurel, oleander. But once you rise to five hundred to eight hundred meters above sea level, you will notice that subtropical crops practically do not grow here - they have been replaced by broad-leaved forests.

In the Alps, this kind of vegetation predominates, but at a much lower level. Just as in the Alps, beech, chestnut, oak trees with some hornbeam, and ash grow in the highlands of Italy. And higher up this diversity is replaced by beech and coniferous forests. In the Alps, such forests grow at around nine hundred meters, and in Italy the level rises to two thousand meters above sea level.

If you want to relax in Venice, choose the Hotel Domus Civica, but, however, it is enclosed in a purely urban landscape, and you will not notice much vegetation here. But if you still want to make short notes about trees and shrubs, it is better to live on the outskirts of the city - in a villa or in a house in the village.

Of course, you won’t get to the 2000 m mark on your own. But if you do get there, you will see the predominant conifers here - all types of pines, fir, European spruce species. Beyond them, tall grass meadows begin - subalpine meadows give way to alpine vegetation. In summer, cattle are walked here.

The vegetation cover of Italy is characterized by
clearly defined altitudinal zonation and the predominance of vegetation types directly created by man or arose under his influence.

On the Apennine Peninsula, the natural vegetation of the lower zone (up to 500-600 m in the north and up to 700-800 m in the south) is formed mainly by maquis thickets, consisting of evergreen shrubs and some types of trees (myrtle, strawberry tree, tree-like heathers, wild olive, etc. .). Small forests of evergreen oaks (holm and cork oaks) are typical; groves of Mediterranean pine and pine trees are found near the sea. On rocky slopes the so-called. Gariga is a type of vegetation that usually grows on former pastures and consists of low-growing evergreen shrubs, subshrubs and perennial grasses. However, the predominant vegetation in the middle zone is cultivated, especially grain fields and vineyards. Plantings of oilseeds and fruit trees (oranges, lemons, almonds, figs, etc.) are widespread.

The middle altitude zone (up to 800-1000 m in the north and up to 1300-1500 m in the south) is a zone of deciduous shrubs and forests, mainly oak. The most common species are oak, chestnut, and beech. Even higher lies a zone of coniferous-broadleaf forests, consisting mainly of beech, spruce and European fir.

In the Alps, in the lower zone, the natural vegetation consists mainly of broad-leaved forests; in the higher zones, beech forest predominates, alternating with spruce and fir. Above the coniferous forests, subalpine tall grass meadows begin. They give way to alpine mountain meadows, which are used as summer pastures. Above the mountain meadows to the very peaks or glaciers, the slopes are covered with mosses and lichens.

Almost the entire surface of the Padan Plain is covered with cultivated vegetation, the largest area being occupied by wheat, corn and vineyards. Natural vegetation consists of negligible areas of deciduous oak forests; in river valleys there are floodplain forests and meadows. Alleys of poplars, willows, and white acacias border the roads and banks of canals and rivers.

The fauna of Italy belongs to the Mediterranean, with the exception of the Alps, which belong to the Central European subregion. Due to the destruction of forests and the large area of ​​cultivated land, few wild animals remain in Italy. Only in remote areas of the Alps and Apennines, mainly in nature reserves, are there bears, wolves, chamois, roe deer, and on the island of Sardinia - mouflons, fallow deer, and wild forest cats. Wild boars are widespread. There are many foxes in the Alps. Small predators and rodents - weasels, martens, marmots, squirrels, and hares - are much better preserved. Hedgehogs and bats are ubiquitous. The world of reptiles is rich. Italy abounds in lizards, snakes, and turtles. The world of birds is very diverse and numerous - about 400 species. In the mountains there are goshawks, vultures, and golden eagles, and in the highlands of the Alps - wood grouse, hazel grouse, ptarmigan, and swifts. There are many geese and ducks on the plains and along the shores of lakes. Of marine fish, mullet, cod, sardines, tuna, mackerel, and flounder are of great commercial importance, and of river fish, carp, trout, and eel are of great commercial importance. There are few large mammals, and all of them have a limited distribution; The chamois is the most adapted to such a habitat (in the Alps and Apennines). Small mammals include the wild cat, ferret, stone and pine marten. The most common rodents are hares and squirrels.

In Italy, even in its northern part, flowering plants can be seen almost all year round. You look at some and often don’t know - what kind of flowers are these? We have made a selection with photographs and descriptions of the most beautiful herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs. We will replenish it periodically

Returning from my first trip to Italy, I began to look at kilometers of photography - and almost a third of them were dedicated to flowers. I clicked everything that came my way.
I knew some of these plants well; they grow here too. I saw others in greenhouses, but met them for the first time in the open air. I didn’t even know the names of some plants. I'm not a botanist, just curious. I had to turn to an expert.
This is how this list was born. It contains both popular garden and wild plants that are often found in northern Italy - from the Mediterranean to the Alps.

Azalea

At the end of March, azaleas begin to bloom in gardens on Lake Como, Maggiore and other places, with their peak flowering in April and early May. The bushes planted on the slopes, covered with colorful flowers, look unusually beautiful. There are travelers who specially come here from afar at this time - just like in Japan for sakura. The azaleas that adorn the gardens of Italy are predominantly of Asian origin and have become widespread in Europe relatively recently. In Europe they are widespread in Great Britain and the Atlantic coast of France. In Italy, azaleas do well in the north, and there are many of them in the foothills of the Alps. Interesting places to visit: Parco della Burcina in Piedmont, villa Carlotta And Melzi to Lake Como in Lombardy, as well as in neighboring Switzerland - the most beautiful Parco San Grato in the mountains near Melide on Lake Lugano.

Oleander

Traveling through blooming and green Italy, the first thing you notice is the numerous alleys of oleanders. This beautiful shrub is found everywhere in Italy - it grows along roads, in squares and parks, and decorates villas. An indigenous inhabitant of the Mediterranean region, it blooms from early summer until September inclusive, and tolerates summer heat and warm Italian winters. Tall bushes with dark green leaves can grow singly or create entire thickets. Groves of several varieties look especially beautiful - oleander blooms with white, light pink, yellow, red, and crimson flowers. If, looking at this beauty, there is a desire to pick a twig for yourself, you need to remember that oleander is a very poisonous plant, all its parts and the secreted juice are extremely dangerous, so you should only admire it from afar.

Bougainvillea

It is not difficult to recognize bougainvillea among other flowering trees and bushes - at the peak of flowering, the ground around it is strewn with a purple, pink or purple carpet. In this case, you will not see petals, but something similar to leaves. The fact is that the bougainvillea flower is very small and white, and it is already surrounded by large bracts - modified colored leaves. Because of the paper-thin appearance of these stipules, bougainvillea is called the “paper flower.” Bougainvillea is found in the form of trees, bushes, but most often - woody vines. Two-color bougainvilleas look very interesting. This tree is very popular as an ornamental tree, decorates gardens, fences and walls of buildings, remains green all year round - the leaves do not fall. Its tolerance to drought and salt makes it an ideal resident of coastal areas. The further south and warmer it is, the better this plant of stunning beauty feels and blooms longer.

Magnolia

Thanks to large flowers and oval shiny leaves, the magnolia tree is difficult to confuse with something else. It is found on embankments, in parks, botanical gardens and simply on the streets of most Mediterranean cities. In northern Italy, magnolia blooms in February-March, and thousands of people come to see this pink miracle, which also exudes a strong and pleasant aroma. After the leaves fall, no less remarkable fruits appear - large, fleshy, similar at the same time to a pine cone and some kind of exotic fruit. This is one of the oldest plants on earth, shrouded in legends, which, moreover, has medicinal properties, and the smell of magnolia is the basis of many perfume compositions.

Cistus

The flowers of this wild shrub resemble rose hips, which is why it is sometimes called rock rose. Flowers range from white to dark pink and purple, with several species having a prominent dark red spot at the base of each petal. The leaves and young shoots of some species, such as Cistus ladanifer, secrete an aromatic resin from which incense oil is made. The shrub is usually not tall, up to 1 meter. Woody stem, with bark. Blooms in April-June. Distributed in Val Maira (Piedmont), Lombardy, Veneto, Liguria, Tuscany, etc. The photo was taken on Mount Conero near Ancona.

Heather

Residents of northern Italy like to decorate their terraces and balconies with pots of flowering heather bushes, although heather almost does not grow in the wild nature of Italy - it prefers more northern countries. Walking along the streets of cities, sitting in coffee shops, it is impossible not to pay attention to the beautiful decor - wicker baskets, terracotta or metal pots with small flowers on branches look charming. Heather flowers can come in a variety of shades; the most interesting look is the combination of several varieties in flower arrangements. Heather begins to bloom at the end of summer and continues throughout September-October. At this time, pots with these plants under the international name Calluna are sold en masse in markets and even in supermarkets. You can bring home such a souvenir, however, this is a rather capricious plant, demanding on the acidity of the soil.

Kampsis

This liana deservedly enjoys respect among the owners of gardens and villas - it can be seen in large and small cities of Italy along the streets, where it wraps around walls, fences and pillars. An unpretentious, fast-growing plant in the warm climate of Italy, all summer and even in autumn it produces abundant inflorescences with clearly visible tubular flowers, most often orange, but you can also find yellow, pink or crimson varieties. Thanks to its aerial sucker roots, it can rise to a height of up to 15 m. It does well in an urban environment - it is resistant to gases and smoke. In the winter it sheds its leaves, leaving woody thickets of vine stems. Also known as tecoma and trumpet flower.

Wisteria

Another vine that often becomes the subject of photography when traveling. Like bougainvillea, it looks very impressive on the streets of ancient cities, entwining walls, supports and lanterns. In April-May it begins to bloom, and it is simply an amazing sight - it blooms magnificently, the clusters of inflorescences cascade down like a lilac or blue waterfall. When entire alleys of wisteria bloom in parks or botanical gardens, the beauty of this phenomenon is in no way inferior to the famous cherry blossoms. This is a deciduous, frost-resistant vine, it can grow up to 15-18 m in height. Another name is wisteria, the flowers resemble acacia in structure, both of them are legumes. Wisteria is capable of secreting phytoncides - active substances that suppress the tuberculosis bacillus; insects die next to a broken branch. Its flowers and beans are also believed to be highly poisonous to humans.

Hibiscus

These large, bright flowers are well known to lovers of beautiful plants. In Italian gardens, squares and parks, in hedges near houses you can often find these evergreen shrubs with red, orange, yellow flowers, simple or double. In the warm climate of Italy it blooms from spring to autumn. One variety of hibiscus is known as Sudanese rose and is used to make hibiscus tea. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with roses - hibiscus belongs to the mallow family.

Orchis purpurea

This wild herbaceous plant, up to 70 cm high, from the Orchid family blooms from April to June. The flowers exude a light vanilla aroma. Distributed throughout almost all of Italy, prefers mountainous areas where there are few people. Grows in pastures, meadows, and rare light forests. This species of orchis is found in Russia and Ukraine, but is considered rare.

The flora and fauna of this country is diverse and represented by a large number of species. Active human activity here has led to the fact that in many regions of the country exclusively cultural landscapes predominate. The only exceptions are high mountain areas where natural flora has been preserved. A characteristic feature of Italy is its clearly defined zoning. More than half of all plant species existing in Europe grow here, and 10% are endemic species.

The formation of the country's flora and fauna was also influenced by factors such as the predominance of mountainous terrain, temperate and subtropical climates, and the long coastline.

Flora of Italy

In Italy, three regions with different types of vegetation can be distinguished: the Po Valley, the Alps and the Mediterranean-Apennine region.

The Alpine Zone can also be divided into three zones. In the lowest zone there are broad-leaved forests, represented by cork oaks, European olive, cypress, cherry laurel, chestnut, ash and maple. Further on there are beech forests, which gradually turn into coniferous ones. Here you can see larches and common spruces in large numbers. Even higher up, the trees end and are replaced by shrubs (juniper, hard alder and rhododendrons), grass meadows, wild flowers (Primrose and Carnation families), sedge with grassy willow. Even higher, lichens and mosses grow on the snow-capped peaks.

In the area of ​​the Padan Plain there used to be oak forests and shrubs, but now only cultivated plants (wheat, corn, rice, sugar beets and potatoes) can be found here. In places where there is enough moisture, poplar grows, and in drier areas - sedge. Heather and pine forests grow on the plains, and water lilies and pondweed grow along the coast.

On the Apennine Peninsula, Sardinia and Sicily, in low mountain areas, evergreen holm and cork oaks, pine trees, olives, oleanders, carob trees, Aleppo pines and mastic trees are found. Above are oaks, beeches and chestnuts, spruce, fir and pine, white ash, oriental sycamore and white poplar.

In the south of Italy you can find Italian alder, and in Sicily you can find Sicilian fir and papyrus. The natural forest of the Apennines has now been replaced by maquis bush. Various steppe plants grow on the plains.

Fauna of Italy

Deforestation and land cultivation have led to the fact that the fauna of Italy is not very diverse. Wild animals can be found here mainly in the mountains. Thus, the Alps are inhabited by marmots, wild cats, stone and pine martens, stoats and ferrets. As for large mammals, you can also see the Alpine ibex (protected by law), chamois, roe deer, lynx, fox and wolf. In Abruzzo you can find brown bear, and in Sardinia - fallow deer, mouflon and wild boar. Italy is also home to squirrels, hares and great horseshoe bats.

In the country you can see 400 species of feathered fauna, including mountain partridge, vulture, swift, black grouse, golden eagle and wood grouse. Wild geese and ducks live along the shores of the lakes. Among reptiles one can distinguish vipers, some species of lizards and turtles, and among amphibians - the alpine salamander and the alpine newt. Sturgeon, eels and brown trout live in fresh waters, and red mullet, sea crucian carp, white sharks and sword sharks live in the seas. Tuna, mackerel, sardines and flounder are caught here on an industrial scale. Invertebrate species such as sponges and red corals are also found.

Many species of wild animals and birds have been completely exterminated or disappeared due to environmental pollution and human intervention in the ecosystem. Wild animals can only be found in nature reserves in Italy, of which there are quite a lot. Also, National Parks and Nature Reserves have now been created here. The total area of ​​all national parks in the country is 200 thousand hectares. Many rare species are listed in the Red Book. The government is trying to do everything possible to ensure that the environment does not cause damage to the flora and fauna of the country.

Natalya Glukhova

You have never seen such nature in Italy before

21/03 2017

Good afternoon friends!
Let me tell you today how wonderful the nature of Italy can be. Of course, I recommend everyone to see it with their own eyes. For now, a virtual tour of the most beautiful, unusual places in the country.

From this article you will learn:

Such a different and unique Italy

Italy... There is the Colosseum, ancient cities, ancient ruins, . Of course, pizza, the most delicious spaghetti, and don’t forget about wine and gelatto! We’ll talk about these Italian wonders separately, but today let’s talk about nature.
The wild is no less attractive than all the man-made wonders of this country. Here we will meet mountains, sea, plains and caves. Some will say that the entire Mediterranean looks about the same. I will try to prove that this is not so.

Italy is a country of seas. Since ancient times, its advantageous geographical location has made the country rich and influential. It is washed by the Adriatic, Mediterranean, Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and Ligurian seas.

Each of the seas creates areas of a unique microclimate: temperature changes, soil, plants and animals, and its own landscape.
Let's not forget about the mountains: the Alps and the Apennines. Taming rivers and planting fields is still a real task. But the sea and mountains require that a person adapt to their mood.

Mountains of Italy

Mountain ranges are the border of Italy, separating it from other European countries. There are really a lot of mountains; they make up two thirds of the entire territory of the country. The rest of the area is hilly. In the South-West the Alps and Apennines are connected.
This is a paradise for skiers and climbers. The Dolomites are some of the most suitable for winter sports. When riding, carry a camera with you - the views are marvelous.

Volcanoes are of great interest. Many of them are still active. Stromboli, Etna and even the infamous Vesuvius. Others have long gone out. This territory has a turbulent seismological situation. Frequent earthquakes, tremors. Volcanoes are always a threat, even if they have been “dormant” for years.

Rivers and lakes

Here are the Po and Adige rivers in the north of the country. The Tiber and Arno flow through the entire Apennine Peninsula.

The largest and most beautiful lakes are Garda, Como, Bracchiano. By the way, many of them are of volcanic origin. These are the real wonders of nature. The water in them is healing and has unique properties. Famous volcanic lakes filled the basins of cooled volcanoes. Spa resorts have been built around healing lakes.

Caves

Very beautiful caves attract tourists and researchers. There are craters, volcanic faults, grottoes and failures. Italy boasts underground caves over 800 meters deep.
The famous Blue Grotto is located on the island of Capri. Entrance from the sea. If there is a storm at sea, you cannot enter. The rest of the time it is best to approach by boat. The grotto has been known since ancient times; ancient sculptures have been found in it.

The water inside seems magically blue. These are the characteristics of the rock, this is how light falls and reflects from the walls. This place has been chosen by tourists since 1830. Then the German writer August Kopisch visited him along with his friend Ernst Fries. Kopish dedicated an entire book to the grotto, since then it has become the main emblem of the island.

Flat terrain

The most extensive is the Padan Plain. I advise you to take a ride on it. There are farm lands, orchards, and famous vineyards here. This is the birthplace of many Italian wines. You will see these wonderful fields as you drive through.

Lots of sun, close to the Po River - ideal conditions for agriculture. The soil here is rich in all necessary minerals. And the views...see for yourself!

Top 12 most beautiful places in Italy

I have compiled a small list of picturesque corners of Italy. Of course there are many more! I hope my article will help you decide to go on a trip as soon as possible. It is beautiful here all year round, and the area completely changes its appearance depending on the season.

1. Cinque Terre

A national park and a source of pride for all Italians. There are beautiful rocky shores and secluded beaches. True, not sandy, but stone. Taken under the care of UNESCO.

2. Chianti Valley

Located in one of the most beautiful regions - Tuscany. The nature here is truly enchanting, a lot of greenery against the blue sky. Of course, we know the Chianti Valley for its wines and olive oil.

But it’s better to visit Tuscany once than to read about it. In summer there is a riot of colors, in autumn there is the charm of golden leaves. Winter in Tuscany is mild, without sudden temperature changes. In spring, everything blooms, young grapes delight with delicate greenery.

3. Vesuvius

At the foot of the famous volcano there is a national park. Besides the volcano itself, there is a lot of interesting things here. This is a natural monument that can wake up at any moment - change the landscape, the landscape again.

The Vesuvius Valley is lined with orchards. Great harvest, by the way. Those who wish can try to conquer the volcano by climbing it.

4. Aosta Valley

In winter, ski and snowboard enthusiasts gather here. The valley is located at the foot of the mountains. In summer, this is a place where Italians themselves come to relax. It is very beautiful, calm, a lot of open space under the most romantic Italian sky.

5. Lake Garda

The largest lake in Italy. There are ancient castles and historical monuments around. By itself, the lake can enchant you with its landscape for a long time. Italians try to preserve natural objects as best as possible. You will notice how respect they treat nature here.

6. Lake Como

The lake is protected from the north by the Alps. This view is worthy of many photographs. Blue water, and behind it - white mountain peaks. The air is very clean, and the place is considered an elite place to live.

7. Lake Braies

Formed from melted glacial water. It descends from the Dolomites and has a unique emerald color. The surroundings of the lake are coniferous forests. Everything is just like in the picture, and no Photoshop is needed - your own color palette is deep and soft. This is a place for leisurely walks, and you definitely need to breathe deeply. You can climb to a hill - from there you can see the lake at a glance.

8. Faraglioni Rocks

Located on the island of Capri. This is a huge limestone reef. Over thousands of years, the landscape has changed, and the reef has turned into rocks. One of them has a hole through which you can sail on a boat. You can also go diving near Faraglioni.

9. Tuscan Archipelago National Park

If you ask where the most beautiful nature is, then I will answer you - in Tuscany. This is a unique corner of Mediterranean flora and fauna. The archipelago consists of 8 large islands, and several more small ones.

10. Rocks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo cliffs are the most famous place in the Dolomites. There are three natural “cubes” 500 meters high. If you are interested in photography, welcome. The rock landscapes are simply enchanting.