Matorral

Matorral (Spanish) refers to a specific type of Mediterranean shrubland ecosystem characterized by dense, evergreen vegetation, primarily consisting of drought-resistant shrubs and low-growing trees. It's adapted to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This biome is typically found on well-drained soils and is often associated with fire regimes, where plants have adapted to regenerate after periodic wildfires. The vegetation offers limited resources but many animals live in these tough conditions.

Matorral meaning with examples

• The hiker traversed the sun-baked matorral, its fragrant herbs releasing their scent in the dry air. The dense vegetation made navigating the terrain challenging but rewarding.
• Wildlife, like the Iberian Lynx, find refuge and hunting grounds within the matorral's varied, low profile growth; the ecosystem supports a surprising diversity.
• Fire, while destructive, plays a crucial role in the matorral's cycle, promoting new growth and maintaining species diversity, making it a complex environment.
• Researchers are studying the matorral's resilience to climate change, a crucial aspect of maintaining biodiversity in vulnerable regions of the world.
• The matorral's landscape changes beautifully through the year, bursting with colors and aromas when the rainfall finally comes.