Flora of Las Alpujarras

Flora of Las Alpujarras varies according to altitude and we can find anything from Alpine species like the ribwort plantain to prickly pear cacti of the lower altitudes. There are pine and chestnut forests. Most native species are concentrated in the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada national park in the grazing areas otherwise known as cascajares (stony ground) and borrequiles (sheep walks)

As we descend, we find woody areas with many different species, from pine to many varieties of oak such as holm, cork, gall etc as well as chestnut, alternating with farmland.

At the lowest levels, olive trees, Judas trees, common oleanders and prickly pear cacti.

Man has cultivated the areas surrounding the towns and villages, with a scenery characterized by terrace farming, vegetable gardens, cereal fields and fruit trees where irrigated and dry farmland alternate. The fact that a large part of the Las Alpujarras falls within the Sierra Nevada Natural Park and the environmentally friendly agriculture have contributed to the preservation of the area’s flora.

Gallery of plant and flowers from Las Alpujarras area