Approaches to the Definition of Mediterranean Growth Forms

Abstract

Mediterranean-type ecosystems, characterized by evergreen sclerophyllous small trees or shrubs, are fairly similar in their physiognomy. There have been relatively extensive comparisons among mediterranean-type ecosystems of Chile and California from the evolutionary, morphological and physiological points of view during the last two decades. This work, which continues, was summarized by Di Castri and Mooney (1973), Mooney (1977) and Cody and Mooney (1978). The mediterranean-type ecosystems of California have also been compared to those of the Mediterranean Basin and Australia (Naveh 1967; Specht 1968a,b).