Analysis of Maquis and Garrigue communities on the island of Cyprus and comparison with Calabrian pine communities in terms of ecological characteristics

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the types of Maquis and Garrigues, their features, spread areas and growing conditions, and to compare the ecological features of the Maquis and Garrigue and Calabrian pines (Pinus brutia Ten.) in Cyprus. Methodology: The plant species, which were collected from different steps of heights and different locations, were identified with the help of herbarium specimens. Additionally, maps were used in order to show the groups, structures characteristically and composition in detail. In order to show the changes in plant layers according to height; north-south, north-west, south east directions, plant and soil bedrock sections where identified and cross-sections were drawn. Results: Calabrian pines, showed an unquestionable dominance over other forest species, but not over Maquis and Garrigue vegetation. Maquis species are able to sprout again after forest fires due to their deep root systems which were not affected by fire. Therefore, following the fires or heavy damages, they spread and even closed in a way that the seeds spilled from the thinning Calabrian pines got no space to germinate. They increased their dominance without human intervention. I n t e r p r e t a t i o n: T h e investigations reveal that maquis and garrigues have a greater physiological capacity and ability to adapt to the climate than Calabrian pines. They also make some changes in their organs to show a greater resistance than Calabrian pines and spread more.