Zonobiome of the Winter-Rain Region with an Arido-Humid Climate and Sclerophyllic Woodlands

Abstract

As already stated, this zonobiome is best divided into five floristic biome groups, according to the various floristic realms into which it falls: (1) Mediterranean, (2) Californian, (3) Chilean (4) Capensic and (5) Australian. The largest of these groups is the Mediterranean, where the winter rains occur from the Atlantic Ocean to Afghanistan. The climate diagrams of the various groups are very similar in shape except with regard to summer drought, which varies in extent. The climate will therefore be generally termed mediterranean in type. The vegetation consists mainly of sclerophyllous woody plants typical of winter-rain regions with only sporadic frost; cold periods of greater duration cannot be tolerated by the plants. The most favored time for growth is spring, when the soil is moist and the temperatures are rising, or autumn, after the first rain. The winter temperatures of 10 {\textdegree}C and lower are already too cool for growth.